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Published:
Monday, October 11, 2004
Teen death penalty under revision
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on wether or not it is constitutional to execute juveniles for murder.
The court agreed to hear arguments after the Missouri Supreme Court refused to sentence 17-year-old Christopher Simmons to the death penalty because such practices violate "evolving standards of decency."
Simmons is now sentenced to life in prison for killing Shirley Cook. Authorities said Simmons claimed he killed Cook because she had seen his face when he broke into her house and he thought he could escape punishment for murder because he was a juvenile.
Simmons' advocates are arguing that people younger than 18 years of age don't have fully developed brains yet and are incapable of making rational decisions. Advocates also argue that Simmons was subject to abuse at the time of the murder.
Italy deports illegal immigrants to Libya
After a sudden rush of illegal immigrants, Italy has begun to deport hundreds of newly arrived people to Libya.
Thousands of immigrants have been sailing across the Mediterranean, usually in overcrowded boats, into Italy and other European nations. In recent days, Italy has sent over 2,000 people away and Italian officials say the expulsions will continue.
Italy's shores serve as the entry point for illegal immigration from North Africa and the Middle East. Usually, Italy has a more welcoming attitude, but recent immigration has caused problems for southern European shores.
Italy is sending immigrants back to Libya, the place where most people began their journey.
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