Document: 492 U.S. 302 109 S.Ct. 2934 106 L.Ed.2d 256 Johnny Paul PENRY, Petitionerv.James A. LYNAUGH, Director, Texas Department of Corrections. No. 87-6177. Argued Jan. 11, 1989. Decided June 26, Syllabus * Petitioner was charged with capital murder in state court. He found competent to stand trial, although a psychologist testified that he mildly moderately retarded and had the mental age 61/2-year-old. At guilt-innocence phase petitioner raised an insanity defense presented psychiatric testimony suffered from combination organic brain damage moderate retardation which resulted poor impulse control inability learn experience. His evidence also indicated been abused as child. The State introduced legally sane but antisocial personality. jury rejected petitioner's him guilty murder. penalty sentencing instructed consider all at trial answering following "special issues": (1) whether conduct committed deliberately reasonable expectation death would result; (2) there probability be continuing threat society; (3) killing unreasonable response any provocation by victim. court request for instructions defining terms special issues authorizing grant mercy based upon existence mitigating circumstances. answered "yes" each issue, and, required law, therefore sentenced death. A "no" answer have sentence life imprisonment. Court Criminal Appeals affirmed, rejecting contentions his violated Eighth Amendment first, because not adequately issues' were defined such way could give effect them; second, it is cruel unusual punishment execute mentally person ability. After this denied certiorari on direct review, Federal District upheld habeas corpus proceedings. Although relief, nevertheless considerable merit claim childhood abuse given jury, under given, issues. Held: judgment affirmed part reversed part, case remanded. 832 F.2d 915, (CA5 1987), Justice O'CONNOR delivered opinion respect Parts I, II-A, II-B, III, IV-A, IV-B, concluding that: 1 1. Granting relief when presented, juries must, request, allow them determining impose penalty, create "new rule" which, Teague v. Lane, 489 288, 301, 1060, 1070, 103 334, may generally applied or announced cases collateral review. Pp. 313-319. 2 (a) rule nonretroactivity its two exceptions are applicable context. criminal includes imposed, challenges sentences foster delay undermine finality concerns underlying § nonretroactivity. P. 313-314. 3 (b) Under Teague, announces breaks new ground imposes obligation States Government, if result dictated precedent existed time defendant's conviction became final. U.S., 1070. Here, since Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 98 2954, 57 973, Eddings Oklahoma, 455 104, 102 869, 71 1, decided before final petition entitled benefit those decisions Griffith Kentucky, 479 314, 107 708, 93 649. seeks does Jurek Texas, 428 262, 96 2950, 49 929, statute basis assurances interpreted broadly enough permit relevant defendant might present imposing sentence. Moreover, Lockett, established cannot, consistent Fourteenth Amendments, prevent sentencer considering giving background character circumstances offense mitigates against penalty. 314-319. 4 2. absence informing declining compels conclusion provided vehicle expressing "reasoned moral response" rendering decision, Amendments Eddings, subsequent decisions. Those principle must directly related personal culpability, who commits crimes attributable disadvantaged emotional problems less culpable than one has no excuse. permitted introduce argue significance did three As first without instruction "deliberately" clearly fully bears juror believed made imposition unwarranted unable crime "deliberately." Nor second issue provide abuse; contrary, concerning mistakes virtue actually suggests will dangerous future. lessen blameworthiness, affirmative more likely. Furthermore, lacked culpability express view third There State's contention instruct decline sort unbridled discretion prohibited Furman Georgia, 408 238, 92 2726, 33 346. Gregg 153, 2909, 859, clear, so long class murderers subject narrowed, constitutional infirmity procedure allows recommend defendant. imposed should defendant, allowed background, character, crime. Full consideration enhances reliability jury's decision. 319-328. 5 3. categorically prohibit execution reasoning 328-335. 6 granting within meaning supra, fall exception general That applies only rules place certain kinds primary, private individual beyond power law-making authority proscribe. It prohibiting category defendants their status offense. Cf., e.g., Ford Wainwright, 477 399, 410, 2595, 2602, 91 335. 329-330. 7 Amendment's categorical prohibition infliction practices condemned common law Bill Rights adopted, well punishments offend our society's evolving standards decency expressed objective legislative enactments juries. Since "idiots"—which term used describe persons totally lacking reason, understanding, ability distinguish between good evil—it indeed "cruel punishment" profoundly severely wholly capacity appreciate wrongfulness actions. Such persons, however, likely convicted face prospect today, modern "mental defect" legal definition insanity, prohibits unaware why they suffer it. person, rational factual understanding proceedings; defense, thereby reflecting knew wrong capable conforming requirements law. sufficient today national consensus executing murderers, cited explicitly bans practice offered behavior regard. Opinion surveys indicating strong public opposition executions do establish societal consensus, absent some reflection sentiment therein. 330-335. 8 concluded Part IV-C that, record, cannot said violates proportionality requirement. To sure, regarded factor diminish most severe form, complete exculpation. statutes list factors include reduced circumstance, holds body making individualized determination eath appropriate. Mentally individuals whose abilities behavioral deficits can vary greatly depending degree retardation, experience, ameliorative effects education habilitation. On people ability—by alone, apart responsibility—inevitably lack cognitive, volitional, act associated concept age" insufficient rule, imprecise, account individuals' varying experiences abilities, ceases change after reaches chronological 15 16, disempowering other areas opportunity enter contracts marry. 335-340. 9 O'CONNOR, J., unanimous I II-B BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, JJ., joined, II-A REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, SCALIA, KENNEDY, IV-C. filed concurring dissenting post, p. 341. 349. WHITE 350. 10 Curtis C. Mason, Huntsville, Tex., petitioner. 11 Charles Palmer, Austin, respondent. 12 Court, except 13 In case, we decide petitioner, Penry, violation We Penry's retarded. 14 morning October 25, 1979, Pamela Carpenter brutally raped, beaten, stabbed pair scissors her home Livingston, Texas. She died few hours later course emergency treatment. Before she died, described assailant. Her description led local sheriff's deputies suspect recently released parole another rape charge. Penry subsequently gave statements confessing competency hearing held clinical psychologist, Dr. Jerome Brown, child, diagnosed having damage, probably caused trauma birth. App. 34-35. tested over years IQ 50 63, indicates mild retardation.1 Id., 36-38, 55. Brown's own testing 54. evaluation revealed 22 old crime, 61/2-year-old, means "he learning knowledge average 61/2 year kid." 41. social maturity, function world, 10-year-old. Brown "there's point anyone [Penry's] always incompetent, but, you know, man borderline range." 47. 16 trial. 20-24. began March 24, 1980. determined confessions voluntary, into evidence. psychiatrist, Jose Garcia. Garcia 18, 19, 87-90. birth, id., 106, beatings multiple injuries early age. 90. Garcia's judgment, suffering disorder impossible conform 86-87. 17 mother school never finished grade. sister frequently beaten head belt routinely locked room access toilet periods time. 124, 126, 127. youngster, out number schools hospitals, until father removed altogether 12. 120. aunt struggled teach how print name. 133. 18 psychiatrists rebut Kenneth Vogtsberger limited ability, illness defect difference right potential honor 144-145. view, characteristics personality, including experience tendency impulsive violate norms. 149-150. further low scores underestimated alertness what went around him. 146. 19 Felix Peebles "full-blown anti-social personality." 171. addition, personally being 1973 again 1977, "had very bad generally, bringing up." 168-169. Peebles' socially emotionally deprived learned read write adequately." 169. disagreed psychiatrist extent cause limitations, both acknowledged extremely seemed mistakes. 149, 172-173. 20 Tex. Penal Code Ann. 19.03 (1974 Supp.1989). day, close hearing, 21 "(1) deceased "(2) commit acts violence constitute 23 "(3) evidence, provocation, any, deceased." Tex.Code Crim.Proc.Ann., Arts. 37.071(b) (Vernon 1981 24 If unanimously answers submitted, 37.071(c)-(e). Otherwise, Ibid. 25 Defense counsel objections proposed charge jury. With objected failed define 210. "probability," "criminal violence," "continuing society." 210-211. "authorize discretionary circumstances" "fail[ed] require condition assessment show doubt aggravating exist outweigh circumstances." 211. take nature submitted full case. 212. light permitting assess amounted Amendment. 26 These overruled then bore burden proof issues, "yes," jurors convinced "yes." 25. 26. listed questions, names inserted. 27 appeal. State, 691 S.W.2d 636 (1985). "deliberately," society" need know meaning. 653-654. failing find outweighed ones authorize f 654. retardation. 654-655. This Sub nom. 474 1073, 834, 88 805 (1986). 28 federal challenging Among claims, argued weigh person. 234-273, appealed Fifth Circuit. 29 Court's judgment. 915 (1987). stressed, apply mitigate arrested development, "Having deliberate threat, say more." 920. short, see acted "[t]here 'no' penalty" force 925. questioned Constitution requires, ultimately prior Circuit reject claims. 926. himself. 918 (citing Brogdon Butler, 824 338, 341 1987)). 30 granted resolve questions. 487 1233, 108 2896, 101 930 (1988). First, them? Second, ability? II 31 currently writ corpus. Because us determine, threshold matter, rule." 334 (1989). review unless exceptions. 311-313, S.Ct., 1075-1077. 32 plurality views regarding retroactivity approach adopted n. 2, 1075, noted, necessarily "delay enforcement decrease possibility 'there certainty comes end litigation.' " Ib d. (quoting Sanders United States, 373 83 1068, 1082, 148 (1963) (Harlan, dissenting)). See Mackey 401 667, 690-695, 1160, 1178-1181, 404 (1971) judgments part). Harlan's context, B "[i]n . Government." Or, "[t]o put differently, existing final." (emphasis original). noted "[i]t admittedly often difficult determine Harlan recognized "the inevitable difficulties arise attempting 'to particular decision really "new" simply well-established govern closely analogous previously considered law.' Mackey, 695, 1181 (opinion part) Desist 394 244, 263, 89 1030, 1041, 248 (1969) Yates Aiken, 484 211, 216-217, 534, 537-538, 546 (1988) (concluding Francis Franklin, 471 307, 105 1965, 85 344 (1985), announce "merely application governed Sandstrom Montana, [442 510, 99 2450, 61 39 (1979),] took place"). 34 January 13, 1986, supra. 973 (1978), (1982), rendered principles 649 (1987), Citing argues because, thus make possible conclude, reasons discussed below, Teague. 35 challenge facial validity statute, 929 (1976). dispute types instructions. Franklin Lynaugh, 164, 175, 2320, 2328, 155 (plurality opinion); 185-186, 2333-2334 (O'CONNOR, judgment). Instead, facts "impos[e] obligation" Rather, asks fulfill assurance based: namely, 36 Jurek, joint Justices Stewart, Powell, STEVENS narrowed five categories murders. 268, 2954. Thus, statutory "its action narrowing murders ever serves much same purpose," 270, 2955, effectively "requires focus particularized crime." 271, 2956. Amendment, Indeed, Woodson North Carolina, 280, 2978, 944 (1976), "in fundamental humanity requires record offender constitutionally indispensable process inflicting death." 304, 2991 opinion). 37 mention circumstances, rather directs reasoned statute's constitutionality "turns enumerated questions factors." 272, various yet defined, scheme satisfied interpret question future dangerousness whatever able show, age, state. 272-273, 2956-2957. 38 Our reaffirmed mandates appropriateness "not precluded considering, factor, aspect proffers 604, 2964 unconstitutional Ohio mandated finding circumstance present. underscored recognition Supra, 295 "survived attack [in ] question—despite narrowness—so 'whatever circumstances' show." 607, 2966. neither 1976 nor survived 859 Proffitt Florida, 242, 2960, 913 "clearly operated independently factor." Cf. Hitchcock Dugger, 481 393, 1821, 95 347 (1987) (sustaining "as applied" Florida statute); Godfrey 446 420, 100 1759, 64 398 (1980) Georgia statute). 40 majority refuse consider, Oklahoma judge concluded, matter youthful troubled family history, harsh father, disturbance. Applying "[j]ust preclude evidence." 113-114, 876-877 "it disregard [the defendant] proffered behalf." 114, 877. 41 final, clear not, enable fulfilled appropriate instructions, seeks—that imposed—is Lockett. based, conclude III 42 Underlying "evidence about belief, society, problems, excuse." California 538, 545, 837, 841, 934 concurring). makes sentencer. Only sure treated "uniquely human bein[g]" reliable Woodson, 305, 2991, 2992. "Thus, stage reflect 841 concurring) 43 imprisonment death, questions: Did murdered Carpenter? Is future? unreasonably provocation? 44 Like contends requested manner precluding acting introduced. address treatment itself, produce Court. plurality, Justices, free prison dangerousness. 177, 2329 185, 2333 agreed "residual doub[t]" Franklin's guilt factor. 173, 6, 2327, 187-188, 2334-2335 45 share plurality's reading Jurek. expressly unconditionally 179-180, 10, 2330, 10. contrast, Members 183, .Ct., 2332 judgment); 199-200, 2340-2341 (STEVENS, dissenting). concurrence dissent understood resting fundamentally stressed meaningless consideration" 199, 2341 46 relevance demonstrate live highly structured environment endangering others. issue. however: 47 "If verdict scope 'reasoned response' violation." 2333. 48 punishment. agree. contrary argument "deliberately result." Neither Legislature term, precisely Assuming, mean something "intentionally" committing murder, still [his] questio[n]." Personal solely confession, killed escape detection. retarded, normal adult impulses evaluate consequences conduct, history abuse, morally "culpable excuse," commonly understood. Skipper South 476 13-14, 1669, 1675-1676, 90 (1986) (POWELL, judgment) (evidence "emotional bear[s] justice punishment"). 51 Without instruction, diminished reflected 52 "whether prosecutor "a probability, previous we've continue nature." 214. Even setting, argued, hurt doctors, nurses, librarians, teachers worked prison. 53 two-edged sword: blameworthiness even Judge Reavley wrote below: 54 "What development youth, executed? anything, likely, yes. major thrust F.2d, 925 (footnote omitted) 55 therefore, abuse. 56 "for purpose avoiding detection." 215. confession stab victim wounded superficially during struggle, struggle ended lying helpless. adult, "unreasonableness" provocation. contends, notwithstanding interrogatories, fact, deserve vote proved asked jurors, "can proud party putting affliction?" 222. urged just answer, think proper answer." 223. prediction prosecution get trouble, argued: "That true. But, boy mentality, affliction, though don't single your juror's [sic] minds definitely wrong, basically, boy. And doesn't believe damage. ." 223-224. effect, "[t]hink we're inquiring every them." 221. 58 rebuttal, countered stressing taken oath follow issues: 59 "You've is. these that's do, go look beginning, accept burden. honestly met burden, reason didn't hear Mr. Newman [defense attorney] argue. pick where meet weaknesses ladies gentlemen, submit [Y]our job duty emotions, you, heard courtroom, accordingly." 225-226. 60 prosecutor's argument, conceded oral future, sufficiently Tr. Oral Arg. 38. render mercy, return 346 (1972). disagree. 62 Fur order minimize risk capriciously selected group offenders, guided defendant." 2937, (1976) (joint STEWART, POWELL, JJ.). But Gregg, 197-199, 203, 2936-2937, 2939. Gregg: 63 "The legislature plainly effort guide exercise discretion, while dispense too intangible naked assertion bound fail. become narrowly particularly serious aggravating-circumstance requirement, becomes expect juries—even penalty—will substantial portion defined. longer wantonly freakishly infrequently loses usefulness device." 222, 2947 "In contrast carefully narrow sentencer's sentence, limits sentence." McCleskey Kemp, 279, 1756, 1773, 262 Rather creating unguided response, essential crime.' 184, concurring)). ensure "reliability specific case," 65 remand resentencing "risk spite call penalty." 605, 2965; 119, 879 "When choice unacceptable incompatible commands Amendments." 2965. IV 66 punishment, like himself 7-year-old. disabilities, possess level justify emerging responds procedural safeguards protect interests Penry. 67 310, hold announcing "brea[k] ground" Government. 335 (1986), insane rule). 68 retroactively falls articulated Harlan, retroactive places 'certain proscribe.' 1073 692, 1179 part)). focusing according protection actor's primary speak substantive guarantees accorded Constitution, regardless procedures followed. status, 2602 (insanity), offense, Coker 433 584, 97 2861, 982 (1977) (rape) placing punish all. cases, itself deprives comity little force. wrote: "There interest rest ought properly repose." 693, 1180. Therefore, set forth cover forbidding held, followed, woul Accordingly, merits claim. 69 punishments. minimum, adopted. 405, 2599; Solem Helm, 463 277, 285-286, 3001, 3007-3008, 77 637 (1983). prohibitions limited, 1789. Ford, 406, 2600; 171, 2924. recognizes "evolving mark progress maturing Trop Dulles, 356 86, 101, 78 590, 598, 630 (1958) 2600. discerning standards," looked society today. 593-597, 2866-2869; Enmund 458 782, 788-796, 3368, 3371-3376, 73 1140 (1982). clearest contemporary values legislation enacted country's legislatures. data actions Enmund, 794-796, 3375-3376; Thompson 815, 831, 2687, 2697, 702 70 settled "idiots," together "lunatics," incapacities. Blackstone deficiency will, excuses crimes, arises defective vitiated viz. idiot lunatic. [I]diots lunatics chargeable acts, incapacities: no, treason itself. [A] total idiocy, absolute guilt, deprivation senses. W. Blackstone, Commentaries *24—*25 72 Hawkins, Pleas Crown 1-2 (7th ed. 1795) ("[T]hose natural disability distinguishing evil, ideots, lunaticks punishable whatsoever"). Idiocy moment birth," lunacy, partial derangement intellectual faculties, senses returning uncertain intervals." idiocy "idiot" evil. Hale deaf mute birth "is presumption ideot hath understand forbidden done, penalties: appear, use tried, execution." M. Hale, (1736) omitted). Fitzherbert, Natura Brevium 233 1730)); Trial Edward Arnold, How.St.Tr. 765 (Eng. 1724) ("[A] memory, doth doing, infant, brute, wild beast, object punishment"); S. Glueck, Mental Disorder d Law 128-144 (1925). 74 punishing "idiots" "lunatics" precursor disease" insanity. See, American Institute, Model 4.01, (1985) ("A responsible disease lacks either criminality [wrongfulness] law"); U.S.C. (1982 ed., Supp. V) (it defect, quality acts" committed). Ellis & Luckasson, Retarded Defendants, Geo.Wash.L.Rev. 414, 432-444 75 emphasis permanent, congenital deficiency, notion "idiocy" similarity 417. applied, form intent 19th 20th centuries, corresponding called "profound" "severe" AAMR, Classification Retardation 179 (H. Grossman 1983); ("idiots" below). 76 unusual" protections afforded ABA Standards 7-9.1, commentary, 460 (2d 1980) (most reach retarded). someone "unaware it" executed. 422, 2608 (Powell, words, consult lawyer proceedings Dusky 362 402, 80 788, (1960); Tex.Penal 8.01(a) argues, 598. Brief 37-39. Anti-Drug Abuse Act 1988, Pub.L. 100-690, 7001(l), Stat. 4390, 848(l) (1988 ed.), Ga.Code 17-7-131(j) (Sup .1988). Maryland similar July Md.Ann.Code, Art. 27, 412(f)(1) 79 insane, considerably available. No requiring suspension insane. 408, 2601, Other examining minimum statutes, attained least 829, 30, 2695, 30. added completely, consensus. offer defendants, prosecutors. points instead several indicate For example, poll 86% polled supported 73% opposed Reply 6-7; Austin Statesman, November 15, B3. 71% surveyed 12% favor. 38; 279. 66% 17% favor, 16% responding depends 283. oldest largest organization professionals working opposes Resolution Death Penalty, Association et al. Amici Curiae 1a-2a (hereafter AAMR al.). polls resolutions expression legislation, indicator rely. present, offenses C 81 Relying largely legislatures juries, classes offenders "makes measurable contribution acceptable goals hence nothing purposeless needless pain suffering" "grossly proportion severity 592, 2866 833, 2697-2698 Tison Arizona, 137, 1676, 127 (1987); 798-801, 3377-3379. "[t]he serve principal purposes: retribution deterrence prospective offenders." 2929 o inion heart rationale offender." 1683. 825, 3391 dissenting) (the "proportionality nexus blameworthiness"). 82 approximately 7-year-old disproportionate culpability. 49-50. Just juvenile 835, 2698, perspective, self-control intelligence. essence, impulses, long-range terms, mistakes, ultimate penalty," 823, 2692. groups agree They amici people, cognitive disabilities reduce 5-9, 13-15. punished commit. contend "disability impairment, reasoning, impulsivity, basic relationships effect," 4. valid retributive purpose. 19. 84 individual's act. 331-333; 7-9.3, 463; Hall, 176 Neb. 295, 125 N.W.2d 918, 927 (1964). Geo.Wash.L.Rev., 414. forms, exculpation responsibility. virtually substantially impaired."2 connection circumstance.3 opinion, responsibility inevitably greatly. AAMR's standard work, Retardation, out: 86 embraces heterogeneous population, ranging dependent nearly independent people. designated attributes intelligence inadequacies adaptive behavior, marked variations deficit manifested presence physical handicaps, stigmata, psychologically disordered states." 87 addition degrees person's "may ameliorated through habilitation." 424, difficulty 7, "capable learning, working, living communities." 6. Deficiency, Monograph Lives Process: Mildly Adults Large City (R. Edgerton 1984). diverse capacities definition, urges rely age," seven below 22-25. "calculated nonretarded children test performance equivalent retardation." 14, D. Wechsler, Measurement Appraisal Adult Intelligence 24-25 (4th 1958). age." One expert witnesses, estimated 61/2. "social maturity" 9- concept, irrespective intuitive appeal, problematic respects. acknowledges, equivalence adults is, course, imprecise." underestimate adults, overestimate logic foresight solve problems. limitations well. Beyond m st tests cease increase significantly Wechsler result, years." 27. re Ramon M., Cal.3d 419, 429, 149 Cal.Rptr. 387, 394, 584 P.2d 524, 531 (1978) ("[T]he 'mental age' norms months"). Not surprisingly, courts reluctant exculpating 531; Schilling, N.J.L. 145, 148, 112 400, 402 (1920); People Marquis, Ill. 261, 267, N.E. 316 (1931); Chriswell 171 Ark. 255, 259, 283 S.W. 981, 983 (1926). Pickett Ala.App. So.2d 102, (1954). 435. reliance measure capabilities purposes premise, marry fact young inherent better line-drawing jurisprudence. sum, precludes alone. So sentencers "death While someday emerge society," remanded opinion. ordered. whom MARSHALL joins, part. die. hold, predicate 94 dissented 326, 1084, (1989), unprecedented curtailment Great Writ foundation. adequate novel convictions exceptions, vast array important prevents vindication rights significant safeguard violations. compounds error extending Teague's procedure. extension sound barred intolerable turn fortuity timing, my comprehension blithely method Constitution. takes step "blithely" advisedly. extends briefing argument. indeed, postponing extended briefed rushes applicability here. sentences, ante, 313-314, saying merely prisoner finality. hint different let alone sign justifying extension. peremptory facilitated, allowing opposing arguments. Though wrongly decided, precipitate extend error, discussion Texas' issues" join III. "prohibiting offense" in, to, Ante, 330. IV-A reaffirms, Stanford 361, 382, 2969, 2981, 306 (1989) 2987-2988 (BRENNAN, dissenting), "application [if] 'makes suffering' 'grossly J.), quoting 2866, (1977). contours inquiries clear. gauge comparing gravity offense," injury caused, harshness 292, 3010, 336; Stanford, 2981 393-394, dissenting); 853, 2708 J.); Coker, sup a, 2869; 798, 3377, (1982) Court); 3386 penal retribution. 335-336; 403, 2993 Thompson, 836, 2699 3377; 2866; 2929, strands analysis. "by 338. negative, persons." seems me conclusion. many purposes, otherwise, treat homogeneous inappropriate, false stereotyping discrimination. 427 Nevertheless, danger spurious generalization "Mental retardation" (AAMR) "significantly subaverage functioning concurrently developmental period." 1983) Classification). among percent population standardized measures intelligence, 31, "significant [his her] effectiveness meeting maturation, independence, and/or expected cultural group," 11; (noting imperfect correlation especially upper ends range retardation"). mildly, moderately, severely, IQs 20, "marked manifested," true "all [designated retarded] behavior." added).1 undeniable "diverse experiences," analysis "Every retardation"—irrespective precise experiences—has Brief). "highest 'mild' category," 307-308, "reduced dimension functioning, language, communication, attention, self-concept, self-perception, suggestibility, information, motivation." individuals, quite overcoming "maintain themselves semi-independently community," 184; 207-208, nevertheless, "have cope everyday world." Cleburne Living Center, Inc., 473 432, 442, 3249, 3255, 313 impairment offender's appropriate, unconstitutional.2 invariably proportionate predicated, unconstitutional. exceptional disability, fails picked receive inadequate guarantee, ndividual blameworthy "sentencers sentence" provides 340. sentencing, considers along host want relative heinousness irresponsible entirely discount adopts line reasoning: "It appears killer Killers kill again; [a] feared killer. far becoming useful citizen." Upholding Order, Hartsville Messenger, 1987, 5B, col. (approving murderer Carolina court). 104 Lack isolated determinatively bars sentence; designed necessary crimes. When resentenced, lawfully, once again—even finds fail constitutional, requirement proportionality. Amendment: measurably deterrence. 1683, 800, 3378. prerequisite follows "just desserts" offender, 801, 3379, goal, 404, justly deserved"). contribute goal unlikely exclusion eligible deterrent they, remain execution. unjust minimal concerned. '[I]ntellectual impairments logical strategic thinking, foresight," predicates "ability anticipate consequences," "impairment impulsivity," 6-7, receiving figure careful courses action. generate mind behaviors select situation faces (particularly stressful situation)"). "nothing suffering," stands culpable, reverse entirety. BLACKMUN stated separate 318-319, 1080, prudent rule's articulated. am below. Zant Moore, 1518, 1519, 922 (BLACKMUN, Finally, support assertion, pertain cases. 321, 3, 1081, assuming, arguendo, apply, question, agree, purposes. 110 decides retroactively. Assuming pertinent, doctrine "should 330, lies exception.* 111 remaining sections fairly competing arguments respecting persons. explication summary advanced Curiae, 336-337—compels judgme t THE CHIEF JUSTICE, KENNEDY join, 113 setting case; holding rule," sentencing; matters 'beyond authority,' 311, 1075 1179, (separate forbids offenders. latter contravenes Unlike goes examine "violates (citations explained 306, inquiry 'cruel unusual' (i.e., it) not." 378, 2979 unusual, examination laws determinations disapproval it, accord theories penology favored 379, 2980. 114 disagree contention, seek disposition 115 mitigation whether, raising habeas, obviously interrelated. words addressed exclusively latter. rested historic role system "deterrence," 'the [which] additional incentive appellate throughout land standards.' 262-263, 1040-1041, "Deterrence" "threat" concepts faith greatest care reasonably precedents wrong. replaces one, palpable uncertainty be. (in passage lip-service 314) 116 plain, imagination today's "dictated" available compelled rejected, compulsion opposite direction. utterly known fault deterred 117 stare decisis, tradition "inherent" earlier (however concealed been), rarely replace one. claimed "inherency" vague debatable requests plain overruling—which adds anything already 'is almost automatically nonretroactive' 'has past precedent.' Allen Hardy, 478 258, 2878, 2880, 199 Stumes, 465 638, 646, 647, 1338, 1343, 579 (1984). rare gutted Term. 118 next (1972), invalidated Georgia's created great irrationally imposed. Four later, struck down schemes Louisiana vice—because unduly constricted (1976); Roberts Louisiana, 325, 974 balance, channeling restricting supra; 253, 2967, structures relating dangerousness, reasonableness unconstitutionally itigating childhood, disregards lines concern, displace throwing away process. 119 inconsistent Special Issues framework. According "preclud[e] issues." 321. rejection as-applied attacks, surely asserted subscribing 2959, broader grounds) turns entertains vindicates flatly contradicts analysis, (and, questions), ways, ways permit. asserts, introduced." What "fully consider" (what ) specifically Appeals' quoted began: 'In likelihood [i.e., statute], .,' 2956-2957, 522 934, 939-940 (1975). evident opinion's statement "[the] construed .; undetermined 2956, added). 120 clearer verdict, relevance—the consideration—could channeled approved "focuses 274, 2957. Of remains available, irrelevant poses, considered. here, relies. Issue result.' 310. observed (1988), consistently phase—something guilt-phase 'intentional' commission 'deliberate' Issue." 171-175, 2326-2328 cases). Evidence point. relied urging Issues, telling "has 322. "focus[ing of] constitutional. 121 foreclosed errs asserting "compe[l]" valid, 328. factors," "any 608, 2964, 2966, (1978); 110-112, 874-876, structuring shape 179, 2330. pointed Barclay 939, 3418, 1134 (1983), "establish[ed] weight considered; condemn all." 961, 3430, Stephens, 462 862, 875-876, 2733, 2741-2742, 235 (1983) ("[S]pecific balancing required"). 122 mandatory, Sumner Shuman, 483 66, 2716, 2978 Roberts, 3001 affirmatively principally relies, ran afoul rule—Eddings thought prevented three, embrace rudimentary elements victim, comparatively minor ense, contest permits considered, (and them). different" scheme. continued say, "allo[w] aspects unique perpetrator, provid[e] discretion." Lowenfield Phelps, 231, 245, 546, 555, 568 Pulley Harris, 37, 48-49, 871, 878-879, (1984); 13; Adams 448 38, 46, 2521, 2527, 581 (1980). acknowledge isolation adopts. vacuum, facts—which, conjunction constant reaffirmation leads sentencer, 123 briefly broad jurisprudence immediately precedents. outset discussion, sought strike balance produces "wholly arbitrary capricious action," 189, 2932, all, individuating account, 303-304, 2990-2991. why, regard inherently bad, desirable "focus[ing] circumstances," 2957, or, "channel[ing] achieve equitable administration 181, 2331. providing insofar bear deliberateness, meets demands replaced, dumps sympathetic bearing guidance "lacked death," 324, "did "was ibid. dignify calling calls response," 323, 328—but eliminated structure reason. unguided, "moral allowed—an outpouring reaction unfocused sympathy. this, eliminate unpredictability produces. 428, 1764, (States "must channel [capital] 'clear standards' 'specific detailed guidance,' 'make rationally reviewable death' ") omitted); 541, 839, ("[S]entencers fates offenses"; "Constitution administered unpredictable fashion"). 124 seriously rationality predictability achieved, capriciousness avoided, 'narrow[ing] sentence,' expanding 327, unitary one; deem sad wished, come circle, condemned. "Freakishly" "wantonly," Furman, 2762 (Stewart, J. concurring), rebaptized response." respectfully dissent. constitutes prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber Co., 200 337, 282, 287, L.Ed. 499. Persons Deficiency (now Retardation) (AAMR), 1983). classified 11. classification system, 50-55 "mild" Individuals 35-40 "moderate" "Severely" 20-25 35-40, "profoundly" 13. Approximately 89% "mildly" Geo. Wash.L.Rev. 423 Ala.Code 13A-5-51(6) Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. 13-702(E)(2) (Supp.1988); Colo.Rev.Stat. 16-11-103(5)(b) (1986 Supp.1988); Conn.Gen.Stat. 53a-46a(g)(2) (1989); Fla.Stat. 921.141(6)(f) Miss.Code 99-19-101(6)(f) Mo.Rev.Stat. 565.032(3)(6) (1986); Mont.Code 46-18-304(4) N.H.Rev.Stat.Ann. 630:5(II)(b)(4) N.M.Stat.Ann. 31-20A-6(C) N.C.Gen.Stat. 15A-2000(f)(6) (1988); Pa.Cons.Stat. 9711(e)(3) (1982); S.C.Code 16-3-20(C)(b)(6) (1985); Va.Code 19.2-264.4(B)(iv) (1983); Wyo.S at. 6-2-102(j)(vi) Ark.Code 5-4-605(3) Cal.Penal 190.3(h) (West 1988); Ky.Rev.Stat.Ann. 532.025(2)(b)7 (Baldwin 1984); La.Code 905.5(e) Neb.Rev.Stat. 29-2523(2)(g) N.J.Stat.Ann. 2C:11-3(c)(5)(d) Rev.Code 2929.04(B)(3) Tenn.Code 39-2-203(j)(8) Wash.Rev.Code 10.95.070(6) formulations Ind.Code 35-50-2-9(c)(6) 413(g)(4) Utah 76-3-207(2)(d) (Supp.1988). classify ways. case—whether "to old"—concerned conflates classifications brief, addresses proposals drawing. O'CONNOR's drawn using encompass disabled associates 338-340. children, 339, sophisticated accepted diagnosing supplemented estimates measured comparison children. maturity gives insight However, imprecise," information reference comparisons. established, judgment), ordinarily agreeing here fleshed

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