What does the 8th amendment prohibit regarding juvenile offenders?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the imposition of cruel and unusual punishment, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the execution of individuals who were under the age of 18 when they committed their crimes. This principle was established in the landmark case Roper v. Simmons (2005), where the Court ruled that executing juvenile offenders is unconstitutional, as juveniles are less culpable than adults and have a greater capacity for change and rehabilitation. This ruling reflects a broader understanding of developmental differences between adolescents and adults, and it aligns with the evolving standards of decency in modern society.

Other options, while related to juvenile justice, do not accurately reflect the protections afforded by the Eighth Amendment. For instance, juvenile offenders can be incarcerated, subjected to financial penalties, and trials can occur under juvenile law, all of which are consistent with the legal provisions governing juvenile justice in the United States.