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Follow on Google News | New Survey Shows Georgians Support Changing Dealth Penalty for Those With Intellectual DisabilitiesAs Georgia Prepares for July 15 Scheduled Execution of Warren Hill, New Survey Shows Georgians Support Changing Death Penalty Statute for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
The survey also shows that Georgians are unaware that our state is the only one in the nation requiring that defendants prove intellectual disabilities “beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kathy Keeley, executive director of All About Developmental Disabilities said: “Sixty- The Georgia Legislature is planning to implement a study group later this year to review the state’ Warren Hill has an IQ of just 70. He is one of several on Georgia’ Background on the Death Penalty in Georgia · The U.S. Supreme Court -- in the landmark Atkins v. Virginia decision in 2002 -- found that persons with intellectual disabilities require a categorical exemption from the death penalty. · People with intellectual disabilities experience many challenges when they come in contact with the judicial system. Often attorneys and others involved in the judicial process don’t even recognize that a person has a disability. Intellectual disabilities are rarely identified at the time of arrest, questioning or arraignment. Only ten percent are identified even at trial. · The diagnosis is often not identified until the person is in prison or on death row. This late identification of the disability can have dire outcomes, including death. · In 1988, Georgia was the first state to prohibit the execution of persons with intellectual developmental disabilities, impelled by mass outrage at the execution of a mildly mentally retarded prisoner named Jerome Bowden in 1986. Questions and Answers · Are you in favor of prohibiting the execution of an individual who has committed a capital crime if it is determined that the individual has an intellectual disability such as mental retardation? Favor: 57% Oppose: 32% Undecided: 11% · Are you aware that Georgia is the only state in the nation with the death penalty that requires in a criminal case that the burden of proof to determine if a defendant has an intellectual disability such as mental retardation is that of “beyond a reasonable doubt,” Aware: 26% Unaware: 74% · What would be your opinion if Georgia changed its laws next year to require that “a preponderance of the evidence” Favor: 41% Oppose: 31% Undecided: 28% All About Developmental Disabilities retained InsiderAdvantage to conduct a statewide survey of registered voters on the evening of Thursday, May 16, 2013. The survey, conducted to news network, cable, and newspaper standards, included new questions as well as questions related to the punishment of individuals with intellectual disabilities, including mental retardation, within Georgia’ About All About Developmental Disabilities Founded in 1956,All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating lifelong support, education and opportunities for children, adults and families living with developmental disabilities. AADD provides support services, advocacy and training to families living with developmental disabilities. Georgia relies on a disjointed system of services and support that cannot be sustained long-term. Economic uncertainties are reducing funding support, even as the number of people in need increases. AADD offers a range of services focusing on Family Support, Public Policy and Advocacy and Community Engagement. For more information, go towww.AADD.org or call us at (404) 881-9777. Contacts: Mitch Leff, (404) 861-4769, mitch@leffassociates.com Sarah Douglas, (678) 521-5289, sarah@leffassociates.com End
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