Court Divided on Death Row Inmate’s Intellectual Disability Ruling

The Supreme Court is currently deliberating the case of Joseph Smith, an inmate on Alabama’s death row for over two decades. The core of the discussion centers on Smith’s claim of intellectual disability, which asserts that he should not be executed under U.S. law due to this condition.

Background of the Case

Joseph Smith has undergone five different IQ tests over nearly 40 years. The outcome of these tests is pivotal in determining his eligibility for the death penalty. In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that individuals with intellectual disabilities cannot be executed. In Alabama, this is specifically defined as having an IQ score of 70 or below.

Legal Proceedings and Arguments

On Wednesday, the justices revisited Smith’s appeal, marking the second time they examined Alabama’s request to reinstate his death sentence. The state’s petition came in response to a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which upheld a federal district judge’s decision to overturn Smith’s sentence. In August 2023, Alabama asked the Supreme Court for a review.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch indicated support for allowing the state’s petition. However, the 11th Circuit reaffirmed its decision to set aside Smith’s death sentence shortly thereafter. The crux of Smith’s argument focused on whether his lowest recorded IQ score of 72 should be considered, especially since the margin of error could suggest a score below 70.

Divided Opinions Among Justices

During oral arguments, the justices engaged in a complex discussion. Alabama’s principal deputy solicitor general argued that Smith failed to provide sufficient evidence of an IQ of 70 or below. Meanwhile, other justices highlighted discrepancies in how the state’s own experts evaluated Smith’s intellectual functioning. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out that Alabama’s expert acknowledged valid scores in the 70s while Smith’s experts reached a different conclusion.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett raised concerns about the evaluation of adaptive functioning, the skills necessary for daily life. The discussion sought clarity on how courts should assess cases involving multiple IQ scores.

Proposed Standards for Future Cases

• This case has prompted proposals for standardized tests regarding intellectual disability determinations.
• Justice Neil Gorsuch suggested states have discretion as long as they do not rely solely on a single low IQ score.
• Justice Elena Kagan recommended that a low IQ score might necessitate reviewing additional evidence.

The debates highlight the challenge courts face in balancing IQ scores with other indicators of intellectual functioning. The Supreme Court’s decision is anticipated in late June or early July, which could set important precedents for future cases involving claims of intellectual disability in capital punishment scenarios.