The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without possibility of parole (LWOP) on June 25, with a narrow exception that a juvenile might receive an LWOP sentence if the sentencing judge makes a specific finding that such a penalty is appropriate. In her opinion on behalf of a 5-4 majority, Justice Kagan wrote that sentences “requiring that all children convicted of homicide receive lifetime incarceration without possibility of parole, regardless of their age and age-related characteristics and the nature of their crimes” violate the 8th Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.
The notion that an act committed by a teenager should condemn him or her to decades behind bars is troubling. Looking back on my adolescent years, I am glad I am not remembered for some of the stupid decisions I made.
There are a couple of principles that should guide us in handling youths who violate our laws. First, youths must be held accountable for their wrongful deeds, particularly if they have harmed someone. Second, the system should offer a full range of rehabilitative services to young offenders, including further schooling and job training, drug treatment, and mental health services. Provided with these, many young people would be able to lead productive lives in free society.
You don’t have to be a person of faith to know that transformation is possible—and desirable. Shouldn’t we make every effort to help these teens redirect their lives so they can contribute to society?
To learn more, read our latest eReport and visit our Juvenile Justice page.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Luke 6:31