Supreme Court and Juvenile Death Penalty

The guests discussed today’s Supreme Court case, Roper v. Simmons, on whether the execution of juveniles under 18 constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” under the Eighth Amendment. Mr. Newsom filed a brief on behalf of Alabama and five other states that support executing juveniles who commit capital crimes while juveniles. Mr. Bilchik filed a brief with several child advocacy groups who are opposed to the death penalty for juveniles. They responded to audience telephone calls, faxes, and electronic mail.