http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/09/27/edsa0927.htm
"As the Supreme Court hears arguments on using the death penalty against minors, the AMA joins the voices of science and international leaders against it.
No one seriously questions the rules that prevent a 16- or 17-year-old from buying alcohol or tobacco. Similar strictures prevent these young people from volunteering for active duty in the armed forces or even voting.
The reason for these limits is clear. It's a recognition that adolescents, even older adolescents, do not possess a level of maturity and understanding of consequences that come with adulthood.
That's why it is startling that, in certain states, these same young people still can be punished with death if convicted of a capital crime."
