Kennedy Reversal Swings Court

[rodeodance]

Kennedy Reversal Swings Court

The ruling that ended the United States' status as the only country that sanctioned the execution of juveniles was due largely to a remarkable evolution by Supreme Court justice Anthony M. Kennedy.
• Supreme Court Opinion (Roper v. Simmons)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11877-2005Mar6.html?referrer=email
By Charles Lane
Monday, March 7, 2005; Page A17

In banning capital punishment for juvenile offenders last week, the Supreme Court once again demonstrated its pivotal role in domestic and, indeed, world affairs.

The 5 to 4 ruling swept aside laws in 20 states that permitted juries to sentence 16- or 17-year-old murderers to death, thus ending the United States' status as the last country on Earth that sanctioned the execution of those who commit crimes when they are younger than 18.

[Zynx]

1. Much to my pleasant surprise, the Rehnquist court has really curtailed the

death penalty. They've made a number of rulings that have reduced its scope.

[sadiesworld]

2. This is such an important decision.

I haven't weighed in on any of the threads b/c I have little to say other than, "amen and it's about time". :thumbsup: