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1989 The Case Of Roper Vs Simmons

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Kaylee Woolery Mr. O’Rourke Political Issues Tuesday, April 18th Supreme Court Opinion In 1989 the case of Roper vs. Simmons, the US Supreme Court opposed the death sentence and decided against the death penalty for anyone younger than 18. They argued that his 8th amendment rights were being infringed resulting in cruel and unusual punishment for the execution of a minor. Christopher Simmons, a 17-year-old, was arrested and put on trial for the first-degree murder of Shirley Crook. Due to the fact that it was first-degree murder, he was sentenced to death. 9 years after he was convicted the Missouri Supreme Court reviewed his case, which they appealed and sent was then sent to the US supreme court. The case was reversed mainly due to the fact that studies show the part of the brain in young adolescents that affects decision-making is not fully developed at ages 16 and 17. …show more content…

Roper’s side talked about the fact that part of the reason why he was motivated to commit the murder was that he was aware of his age, meaning he would not have the death penalty. They also talked about Roper’s mental capacity and how it was that of an 18-year-old. In my opinion, overall Roper’s side was aware of their information and was able to answer most questions given to them with ease, Unlike Simmon’s side. Simmon’s side, while having some good points, got distracted and started going on about “what if” questions that involved drug use which has little to do with this case. I really believe this weakened their argument and was unprofessional. With all of this being said I believe that Roper’s side was the more convincing and well-prepared

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At the age of 17, Christopher Simmons planned and pursued his plan of kidnapping, tying up, and throwing his neighbor, Shirley Crook off of a bridge. Missouri attorneys claim that Simmons boasted about his plan of killing his neighbor. Thinking that he could get away with it because he was only 17 years old, which is not fair. But other attorneys claim that Simmons should not get the death penalty because it violates the 8th amendment. Considering Simmons still committed murder and put the innocent women to a cruel death, he should have been given the death penalty.

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