Supreme Court debates constitutionality of juvenile executions
SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court hears arguments today in a case that will decide whether it is unconstitutionally cruel to execute 16- and 17-year olds. The justices will consider whether the United States is out of step with the rest of the world -- and with national and global standards of decency.
Few other nations allow such executions. International leaders say the practice leaves the U-S diplomatically isolated and vulnerable to charges of hypocrisy on human rights issues.
But supporters say the punishment "is reserved for the worst of the worst" and not just for adults.
Currently, 19 states allow capital punishment for 16- and 17-year-olds, and more than 70 juvenile murderers are on death row.
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