Story perspectives

Supreme Court Considers Intellectual Disability in Execution Case

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Supreme Court heard arguments in Hamm v. Smith about executing Joseph Clifton Smith for his claimed intellectual disability, after lower courts ruled he cannot be executed under Atkins v. Virginia.
Several justices, including Democrats and some Republicans, indicated openness to considering evidence beyond IQ scores.
Smith's outcome remains uncertain as the Court weighs the evidence.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that executing individuals with intellectual disabilities violates the Eighth Amendment. This landmark decision prompted 18 of the 38 death penalty states to exempt such offenders from execution. The ongoing case, Hamm v. Smith, highlights the evolving legal standards regarding intellectual disability, potentially reshaping capital punishment practices and protections for vulnerable populations.

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Story summary

The Supreme Court heard arguments in Hamm v. Smith about executing Joseph Clifton Smith for his claimed intellectual disability, after lower courts ruled he cannot be executed under Atkins v. Virginia.
Several justices, including Democrats and some Republicans, indicated openness to considering evidence beyond IQ scores.
Smith's outcome remains uncertain as the Court weighs the evidence.

1 / 2