The US Supreme Court - Essay Example

Many convicts, who end up executed, later prove to be innocent after the reconsideration of the judgment imposed upon them. Taking an individual`s life has proved to be inappropriate. (Supreme Court, 2012)

For instance, the execution of mentally retarded individuals violates the imposed ban of cruel in addition, unusual punishments in the U.S.A constitution. The constitution clearly explains on the mental disability of a person renders individual freedom from undergoing an extraordinary sentence of death. Rendering of the death penalty to the brain disadvantaged persons is disproportional and severe. (Supreme Court, 2012)

The court also ruled out the imposition of the death penalty on juvenile individuals. This is because the young individuals proved to be immature with incomplete development of character traits. The imposition of the death penalty to them is cruel and unusual; they need time to learn of their responsibilities in society. The juvenile according to the constitution should not be deprived of the chances of undergoing maturity, and self-recognition of their potentiality, this is because they have got room for change and fit in the society.

In 2010, the Supreme Court also declared that a death sentence without chances of parole, for offenses made other than murder is cruel and unusual punishment. This is because the punishment proved to be beyond the crime enacted by the offender, and the offender opts to have the right of associating with others and defending himself. (Supreme Court, 2012)

The death penalty imposed on child rape cases is also excessive.