Roper v. Simmons: Unconstitutional!

I'm amazed. In fact, I'm so happy, I started to cry sitting here at my desk.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that it is unconstitutional to execute someone for a crime he or she committed while under the age of 18. The Court held that executing juveniles violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Justice Anthony Kennedy drafted the opinion. He was joined by Justices Ginsburg, Stevens, Souter and Breyer. In the opinion, Kennedy wrote: "It is proper that we acknowledge the overwhelming weight of international opinion against the juvenile death penalty, resting in large part on the understanding that the instability and emotional imbalance of young people may often be a factor in the crime." (emphasis added)Nineteen states still allowed the execution of those who committed their crimes under the age of eighteen. The decision affects 72 individuals on death row. Those 72 individuals will now be allowed to live.

It's a good day.

High court: Juvenile death penalty unconstitutional