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Intellectual Disability (Atkins Claim)
Definition
A condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which under Atkins v. Virginia exempts a person from the death penalty. Establishing intellectual disability typically requires showing below-average IQ, deficits in adaptive functioning, and onset before age 18.
Examples
- •Smith claims he cannot be executed because his IQ scores and adaptive functioning deficits demonstrate intellectual disability under Atkins.