The execution of mentally retarded prisoners has been a controversial topic for decades. The U.S. Supreme Court has found, in Atkins v. Virginia (2002), that such executions are unconstitutional; this decision was partially based on the community’s evolving standards of decency. The legal system requires mental health professionals to determine whether a prisoner is mentally
Developmental disability is an umbrella term that broadly refers to a set of severe and chronic physical or mental impairments characterized by an absence or delay in reaching certain developmental milestones that typify the normally developing person. Mental retardation (MR) is a developmental disability that is exemplified by the presence of deficits in both cognitive
Mental retardation, a complex and multifaceted condition, has long been a subject of clinical, educational, and psychological inquiry. This article explores the nuances of mental retardation, encompassing its historical roots, etiological factors, diagnostic criteria, and strategies for intervention and support. In this context, the article emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention in
Mental retardation and the death penalty has been a controversial topic for decades. The U.S. Supreme Court has found, in Atkins v. Virginia (2002), that such executions are unconstitutional; this decision was partially based on the community’s evolving standards of decency. The legal system requires mental health professionals to determine whether a prisoner is mentally