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What are the key differences between Tennard v. Dretke and Atkins v. Virginia in terms of their impact on capital punishment in the United States
Focus of the case: Tennard v. Dretke focused on the adequacy of considering low IQ as mitigating evidence in the penalty phase of a capital trial, while Atkins v. Virginia focused on the constitutionality of executing mentally retarded individuals.
Evidence presented: In Tennard v. Dretke, the defendant presented evidence of his low IQ (67) during the penalty phase, while in Atkins v. Virginia, the defendant presented evidence of his mental retardation.
Jury instructions: In Tennard v. Dretke, the jury was instructed to consider whether the crime was committed deliberately and whether the defendant posed a future risk, but the instructions did not account for the defendant's low IQ. In Atkins v. Virginia, the jury was instructed to consider the defendant's mental retardation as a mitigating factor.
Outcome: Tennard v. Dretke resulted in a Supreme Court decision that the defendant's low IQ was not adequately considered by the jury, and the case was remanded for further consideration. Atkins v. Virginia resulted in a Supreme Court decision that executing mentally retarded individuals is unconstitutional.
Impact on capital punishment: Tennard v. Dretke had a limited impact on capital punishment, as it only applied to the specific case and did not set a precedent for future cases. Atkins v. Virginia, on the other hand, had a significant impact on capital punishment, as it established a new standard for evaluating the constitutionality of executing mentally retarded individuals.
Legal principles: Tennard v. Dretke established that the Eighth Amendment requires that mitigating evidence of low IQ be considered in the penalty phase of a capital trial. Atkins v. Virginia established that the Eighth Amendment prohibits the execution of mentally retarded individuals.
Jurisprudence: Tennard v. Dretke was decided based on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Eighth Amendment's protection against cruel and unusual punishment. Atkins v. Virginia was also decided based on the Eighth Amendment, but it additionally considered the issue of mental retardation as a mitigating factor.
Impact on the legal system: Tennard v. Dretke may have influenced the way lawyers approach capital cases involving low IQ defendants, but it did not have a significant impact on the legal system as a whole. Atkins v. Virginia had a significant impact on the legal system, as it changed the way courts approach capital cases involving mentally retarded defendants.
Public opinion: Tennard v. Dretke did not have a significant impact on public opinion, as it was a relatively narrow decision that only applied to the specific case. Atkins v. Virginia, on the other hand, had a significant impact on public opinion, as it raised awareness about the issue of executing mentally retarded individuals and sparked debate about the ethics of capital punishment.
Future impact: Tennard v. Dretke may have a limited future impact on capital punishment cases, as it only applies to cases where the defendant presents evidence of low IQ. Atkins v. Virginia, on the other hand, has already had a significant impact on capital punishment cases, as it has led to the exclusion of mentally retarded individuals from death row.
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