Groups urge court to end juvenile death penalty

WASHINGTON — Nearly 30 religious groups have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to outlaw the execution of minors. Oral arguments for Roper vs. Simmons, a juvenile death penalty case, are expected before the court this fall. Signatories to a friend-of-the-court brief, urging the court to refrain from death penalities for individuals younger than 18  include the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Greek Orthodox Church, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the American Jewish Committee, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and the Muslim Public Affairs Council.