Death sentence for 16-17-year-olds taxes US Supreme court
The US Supreme Court is wrestling with the difficult question of whether 16-17 year-olds who commit violent crimes should be put to death.
The justices appear divided on the issue, reports The Washington Times. Gang violence, scientific evidence about brain development of teens and world condemnation of juvenile executions came under serious discussion. The court has already barred the death penalty for the mentally retarded and for people younger than 16. But 19 states allow capital punishment for juveniles, and more than 70 people who committed crimes as 16 and 17-year-olds are on death row. Full report in The Washington Times