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Dissenting Opinions

Importance/Significance

Might have signaled the beginning of the end of the death penalty.

Chief Justice William Rehnquist writes that Virginia is just following the 18 States that are prohibiting the Death Penalty and not focusing on the details this case offers.

No concurrent opinions posted.

Relevant?

The Majority

This case overturned the previous ruling Penry vs. Lynaugh

Majority vote for Atkins: 6-3

  • John Paul Stevens writes for the majority that the Constitution puts restrictions on the states power to take a life of a mentally retarded offender.

No Concurrent Opinions

Relief Sought

Background

Atkins wanted to appeal the Death Penalty.

Daryl Renard Atkins was convicted of abduction, armed robbery, capital murder and sentenced to death.

  • abducted Eric Nesbitt, stole everything Nesbitt had on him, took money out of his bank, then took him to an isolated location and shot and killed Nesbitt 8 times.

Lower Court Verdict

York County Court

  • sentenced Atkins to death.

Due to incomplete sentencing instructions, Atkins sentence was vacated and the trial started over again.

  • Atkins was sentenced to death a second time.

Petitions

Arguments for the Plaintiff:

  • cited his low IQ of 59
  • inability to function individually
  • Death penalty was too harsh of a punishment for people with disabilities.

Arguments for the Defendant:

  • did not violate the 8th Amendment
  • cited Penry vs. Lynaugh in which the majority said that execution of people with disabilities didnt violate.
  • Dr. Samenow, clinical psychologist , found Atkins to be high functioning and not so impaired but lacked motivation to succeed in life.

Atkins vs. Virginia

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