[dougherty]

This is total BS. Does anyone remember the HBO documentary called The Execution of Wanda Jean? This murderer and her lawyers claimed that she was retarded. She sure as hell didn't seem retarded, imo. When I was a kid, we had a neighborhood girl that was truly retarded, no doubt about it. Now, every murderer and their lawyers will be hellbent on claiming they are retarded. I realize that some people are 'slow' but on the other hand, you have the truly retarded, such as the neighbor I mentioned. Wanda Jean was sure as hell not retarded.

[MeekOneGOP]

Point well taken. The last month or two, a number of death row cases were
delayed claiming retarded, pending this decision. Now they'll be incarcerated
at taxpayer expense for the rest of their lives. There a grid at the bottom of my
post #7 that show Texans' sentiment regarding this issue the past few years:

Texas Poll

Should the state execute inmates considered mentally retarded? Spring 2002 Winter 2001 Fall 1988
Yes 20% 17% 11%
No 65% 66% 73%

It appears to me that the decision goes against the trend in Texans thinking?
More people saying Yes and fewer people saying No to those executions.