Final answer:
A crime punishable by death is called a capital offense, which historically included many crimes but has since been restricted to more serious offenses. The Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty is not always cruel and unusual punishment but cannot be applied to minors (under 18) at the time of their crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
A crime considered so heinous that it is punishable by death is referred to as a capital offense. This definition ties into the historical context of the criminal justice system where, during the 1800s, many crimes were classified as capital offenses, prompting reform due to the severity of the punishment. Over time, capital punishment has been restricted to more grave offenses such as murder or treason.
Regarding the Supreme Court and its rulings on the death penalty, the court has held that the death penalty is not always deemed cruel and unusual punishment. However, in the case of Kennedy v. Louisiana, the Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty is unconstitutional in all cases that do not involve murder or crimes against the state. Furthermore, according to Furman v. Georgia, the arbitrary and inconsistent imposition of the death penalty may constitute cruel and unusual punishment, thereby violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Lastly, per the Supreme Court's decision in question 14, it may not be applied to those who were under 18 when they committed the crime. Therefore, the correct answer is a. Capital offense, and the Supreme Court decision regarding the death penalty that it may not be applied to those who were under 18 when they committed a crime.