Execution of juveniles and the mentally retarded

[John Dibble]

Juvenilles in some cases should be executed, though not all(age matters somewhat, I wouldn't execute an 8 year old).

The mentally retarded are, well, mentally retarded - things are different for them. If they prove to be a danger to others, institutionalize them to prevent them from doing harm.

[John Dibble]

Dude, it's not as if you can commit murder by just being a typical retard. You obviously had evil intent.

The workings of the minds of retarded people can vary from ours greatly. The workings of right and wrong may be very different for them. Imagine if you would, someone with an adult body but the mental capacity of a five year old - I've seen some five year olds get violent and hit people during temper tantrums, but it's usually harmless because they have normal strength. Imagine if that five year old had a violent tantrum and the strength of a full grown man. Messy results. Would you execute a five year old in such a situation?

Of course, I'm willing to look at it from a case to case basis - say, a Forrest Gump type retarded person, who just has low mental capacity but clearly understands the difference between right and wrong and that you shouldn't kill, I would consider it, but there are other cases where I just really couldn't.