Which case determined that the death penalty cannot be applied to minors?

The case that determined the death penalty cannot be applied to minors is Roper v. Simmons. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court held that executing individuals who were under the age of 18 at the time of their offense constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, which is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Court's ruling was based on several factors, including a recognition of the developmental differences between juveniles and adults, particularly in terms of maturity, judgment, and propensity for rehabilitation. The justices cited social science research indicating that adolescents are more impulsive and less capable of making calculated decisions than adults. This ruling aligned with the evolving standards of decency in society, which indicate a growing consensus against the execution of juvenile offenders.

In contrast, the other cases listed address different aspects of the law. Atkins v. Virginia deals with the execution of individuals with intellectual disabilities, Tennessee v. Garner addresses the use of deadly force in the apprehension of fleeing suspects, and Miranda v. Arizona focuses on the rights of individuals in police custody. Thus, Roper v. Simmons is specifically significant for its impact on juvenile justice and the limitations placed on capital punishment for minors.