United States Supreme Court

Held that the Eighth Amendment may permit executing a prisoner even if he cannot remember committing his crime, but it may forbid execution if his dementia prevents him from comprehending why he is being put to death. A death row inmate in Alabama argued that his memory loss and dementia entitled him to a stay of execution. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court clarified the law on these matters and remanded to the state court for further proceedings, in an opinion delivered by Justice Kagan. Justice Kavanaugh took no part in the decision.

Appellate Information

• Published 2019/02/27

Judges

• Kagan

Court

• United States Supreme Court

Counsel