Final answer:
The death penalty in the United States has seen limitations set by the Supreme Court, particularly excluding its application for those under 18 at the time of the crime and for non-homi-cidal crimes. However, there is a disproportionate application toward African Americans, reflecting racial disparities in the justice system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the application of the death penalty across different demographics in the United States. The Supreme Court has, in recent years, narrowed the parameters within which the death penalty can be applied.
This includes prohibiting the execution of those with intellectual disabilities and those who were under 18 at the time they committed the crime. Additionally, the Supreme Court has declined to allow the death penalty for crimes that did not result in death, such as ra-pe.
However, disparities in the application of the death penalty have been noted, particularly in relation to race. African Americans disproportionately face the death penalty, which speaks to the broader issues of racial inequity in the criminal justice system.
Answering the student's multiple-choice question, the correct option is 'd': the death penalty may not be applied to those who were under 18 when they committed a crime, in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision.