ILLINOIS Coalition to Abolish THE DEATH PENALTY

180 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 2300 Phone (312) 849-2279
Chicago, IL 60601 Fax (312) 201-9760
www.icadp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Jane Bohman
(312) 849-2279 or (312) 213-4250

ILLINOIS Coalition to Abolish THE DEATH PENALTY
COMMENDS SURPREME COURT DECISION ON EXECUTION OF MENTALLY RETARDED

CHICAGO, IL (June 20, 2002) – The Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty lauds the United States Supreme Court today for ruling the death penalty unconstitutional for the mentally retarded in Atkins v. Virginia. "The Supreme Court has recognized that executing mentally retarded people violates the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society," said ICADP Executive Director Jane T. Bohman.

Bohman noted that 44 people classified as mentally retarded have been executed in the United States since 1976. She said this is a conservative estimate, because many inmates are not tested for mental retardation before they are executed. The state of Texas leads the nation in executing the mentally retarded, followed by Virginia, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana.

"Mentally retarded people are more likely to be wrongfully convicted and sent to death row than other people. They are easier to bear false witness against; easier to coerce a confession; easier to demonize in the media; easier to ignore when their Constitutional rights are at stake," stated Bohman. They also are more likely to falsely confess to a crime that they did not commit.

In February of 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported that at least 11 out of about 160 inmates on Illinois’ death row have scored 75 or below on at least one IQ test. Many others have made claims of mental retardation during sentencing hearings. Latasha Pulliam, currently on Death Row in Illinois, has an IQ that has measured as low as 57.
"The Supreme Court’s ruling is part of the reexamination of the death penalty and, particularly, here in Illinois," said Bohman. "Many people in this state are now calling for alternatives to the death penalty, such as life in prison without the possibility of parole."

-- 30 --