Decisions on Very Controversial Issues
Decisions on Very Controversial Issues
You are a judge in the fictitious state of Barbieland. As a judge, you are called on to make decisions on very controversial issues. Based on the laws of Barbieland, juveniles are considered adults at the age of 16. The first controversial issue you must deal with is a convicted juvenile sex offender. In your state, juveniles can be sentenced to death for sexually based offenses. Shortly after his conviction, the Supreme Court ruled in Roper v. Simmons, to abolish the death penalty for offenders less than 18 years of age.
If you agree with the decision or if you support the dissenters, Justices O’Connor and Scalia, respectively, then explain your reasons for the same.
- Analyze the majority opinions and explain the factors on which the rulings are based. Analyze the dissents and explain the factors on which the dissents are based.
- Explain the ethical principles that underlie your opinion about this Supreme Court decision.
To view the Roper v. Simmons case, please complete a “key word” search using the search engine of your choice for: Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005)
The death penalty has now been abolished and the offender’s sentence has been commuted to a ten-year sentence in prison with the possibility of early release if he completes all mandated requirements including a sexual rehabilitation program to prevent further sexual aggression.
- If the offender is released early, what form of deterrence should be imposed and why?
Support your discussion with analysis of recidivism rates, imposed deterrence, and other trends related to sex offenders.
Use APA Citations
Answer preview’There are states in this world such as Iran which still convict criminals under the age of 18 years through death penalties. It is despite the act being a controversy and contrary to the human rights of unusual punishment. However, in the United States, the Eighth Amendment prohibits the imposition of the death penalty on adolescents. I support this decision since children are vulnerable and immature when committing crimes; hence, the severity of their punishment should not extend to death penalties. Ethically the atrocities conducted by juveniles are not morally reprehensible as that of adults, and it’s a violation of human rights.
Support For The Supreme Court Decision To Abolish The Death Penalty For Offenders Less Than 18 Years Of Age
I agree with the conclusion of the Supreme Court to abolish the death penalty for offenders who underage. It is mainly…
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