Top Court Revamps Life Sentence Rules for Underage Criminals
The U.S. Supreme Court changed the future fortunes of minors accused of less severe crimes than murder on Monday, ruling in a 6-3 decision that doling out life sentences with no chance of parole in those cases would amount to cruel and unusual punishment.
The U.S. Supreme Court changed the future fortunes of minors accused of less severe crimes than murder on Monday, ruling in a 6-3 decision that doling out life sentences with no chance of parole in those cases would amount to cruel and unusual punishment. –KA
Rooted in Truth.Los Angeles Times:
In a 6-3 decision, the court struck down the laws in Florida and 36 other states which permit life prison terms for criminals who were under age 18 at the time of their crimes. Currently, 129 prisoners are serving such terms nationwide, and 77 of them are in Florida.
In the past, the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment has been used mostly to limit use of the death penalty. The justices have been wary of limiting prison terms.
But Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, speaking for the court, said a life prison term with no chance for parole is too extreme for a juvenile criminal whose offenses involve robbery or assault.
Independent by Design.
Your support helps ensure that rigorous reporting, thoughtful analysis, and investigative journalism remain accessible to everyone.
Support independent journalism.
TD Column
Alexander Vindman’s loss in Florida only shocked the same people who underestimated and memory-holed Andrew Gillum eight years ago.
Politics
Her victory is especially stunning given the state’s large Latino population, which for years has punished Democrats linked to the “socialist” label.
TD Column
In Florida, parents brace for the August debut of an unabashedly MAGA history curriculum.
Editorial Cartoons
Immigration
Administration officials have also revised a document advising how ICE officers should interact with parents, removing the word “humane.”
Health & Wellness
In Florida, where the fetal personhood movement is strong, two women had to attend virtual court hearings while in labor to argue for their right to choose their own medical care.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.