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Atkins v. Virginia

By: Nicholas DeJarnette. Atkins v. Virginia. Outline. Title of the case: Atkins v. Virginia 536 U.S. 304 (2002 ) Plaintiff: Daryl Renard Atkins Defendant: The Commonwealth of Virginia. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4716225.stm. Original Case. August 16,1996

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Atkins v. Virginia

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  1. By: Nicholas DeJarnette Atkins v. Virginia

  2. Outline • Title of the case: Atkins v. Virginia 536 U.S. 304 (2002) • Plaintiff: Daryl RenardAtkins • Defendant: The Commonwealth of Virginia http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4716225.stm

  3. Original Case • August 16,1996 • Daryl Atkins and a friend, William Jones, abducted 21 year old Eric Nesbitt. • The two men stole $60 from his wallet and drove him to an ATM to withdraw another $200. http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/pending/05/dec05.htm

  4. Original Case • The Atkins and Jones then took Nesbitt to a private location. • Eric Nesbitt was then shot eight times. • The two men were arrested and charged with first degree murder. • The York County Circuit Court heard the case and found both men guilty. • Atkins tired to convince the court that he was mentally retarded. • Daryl Atkins was sentenced to death.

  5. Court of Appeals • Atkins appealed the case to the Court of Appeals on the grounds that because he was mentally retarded he cannot be sentenced to death. • He stated this violated his Eighth Amendment rights which prevents cruel and unusual punishment.

  6. Court of Appeals • In a 5-4 majority, the court affirmed the decision of the lower court citing Penry v. Lynaugh 492 U.S. 302 (1989). • In this case a man with the mental capacity of a seven year old was convicted and sentenced to death for murder.

  7. Supreme Court • The Supreme Court granted certiorari due to the gravity of the dissenters. • Those who wrote a dissenting opinion argued well enough to convince the supreme court to hear the case.

  8. Supreme Court • In a 6-3 majority, the court overturned the decision saying that the execution of mentally retarded is a violation of the Eighth Amendment. • Majority Side: Justice Steven, O’Connor, Kennedy, Souter, Ginsburg, and Breyer • Dissention side: Chief Justice Rehnquist, Justice Scalia and Thomas

  9. Opinions • Stevens wrote the majority opinion. • Rehnquist and Scalia wrote separate dissenting opinions http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1979095,00.html

  10. Historical Impact • Because his decision overturned a previous decision made by the Supreme Court, it shows that American ideals are changing and the court must keep up with the change. • Justice Stevens stated, “Standards of decency are evolving which marks the progress of a maturing society.”

  11. Bibliography • "Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304 (2002)." Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304 (2002). Web. 19 Nov. 2013. • "Atkins v. Virginia." Atkins V Virginia. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. • "Atkins v. Virginia." Atkins v. Virginia. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. • "Atkins v. Virginia." TheFreeDictionary.com. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. • ATKINS v. VIRGINIA. The Oyez Project at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. 19 November 2013. • "PENRY v. LYNAUGH." Penry v. Lynaugh. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. • Scott, Charles L., MD, and Joan B. Gerbasi, MD, JD. "Atkins v. Virginia: Execution of Mentally Retarded Defendants Revisited." ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY 31 (2003): 2003. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.

  12. Picture Referances • http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4716225.stm • http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/pending/05/dec05.htm • http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1979095,00.html\

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