Executing Someone With Dementia Might Violate Constitution, Justices Say
A convicted murderer developed dementia while on Death Row. The Supreme Court blocked his execution for now, asking a lower court to determine whether the man understands why he is being put to death.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday clarified the circumstances in which someone with a mental disability may be put to death.
The government can execute a prisoner even if he doesn't remember committing his crime, the court said. But it can't execute the prisoner if he doesn't understand why he has been "singled out" to die, the high court said in its 5-3
