The death penalty is applied to those of 16 years and over

The death penalty is applied to those of 16 years and over. In 2001, Arizona abolished the death penalty for mentally retarded. Following the Ring v. Arizona ruling, the US Supreme Court deemed it unconstitutional to give a single Judge, as opposed to a jury, the power to rule on what constitute aggravating circumstances and the power to decide punishment in capital cases. In 2002 Governor Jane Hull signed into law the legal modifications as indicated by Ring v. Arizona. The decision regards about 90 death row inmates. The Governor has primary authority with the advice of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The Governor needs a favorable recommendation from the Board in order to grant clemency. The Governor is not obligated to go along with the recommendation, however.