Sentencing Youth to Life in Prison: Justice Denied

This book examines the issue of juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences and calls attention to both sides of the debate. It features in-depth interviews with juvenile lifers and other involved parties, providing a balanced approach to the impact of Supreme Court decisions and the controversy related to review and resentencing of juvenile lifers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences have been a controversial topic in the criminal justice system for many years. While some argue that these sentences are necessary to protect society from dangerous criminals, others believe that they are cruel and inhumane, and that they do not provide young people with the opportunity to reform and become productive members of society. This book examines the issue of juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences in its entirety and calls attention to both sides of the debate.

Suitable for scholars and practitioners interested in a balanced approach to the impact of important Supreme Court decisions and the controversy related to review and resentencing of juvenile lifers.

The first book to feature in-depth interviews with juvenile lifers as well as other involved parties, such as prosecutors, politicians, advocates, and victims and their families.

Those who support juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences argue that they are necessary to protect society from dangerous criminals. They point to the high recidivism rates among juvenile lifers, who are more likely to commit new crimes after being released from prison than adults. They also argue that LWOP sentences provide a sense of justice and closure for the victims and their families, who may feel that the perpetrator has not received the punishment they deserve.

On the other hand, those who oppose juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences argue that they are cruel and inhumane. They point to the fact that young people are still developing and that they have the potential to reform and become productive members of society. They also argue that LWOP sentences do not address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and social exclusion.

One of the most controversial aspects of juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences is the fact that they are applied disproportionately to African American and Latino youth. Studies have shown that these groups are more likely to be sentenced to LWOP than white youth, even when controlling for the severity of the crime and other relevant factors. This has led to calls for reform, including the elimination of LWOP sentences for juveniles.

Another issue related to juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences is the lack of review and resentencing opportunities. In many states, juvenile lifers are not eligible for parole until they have served a certain number of years, regardless of their behavior or progress in prison. This has led to concerns that juvenile lifers may be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of ever being released.

In response to these concerns, some states have implemented reforms to their juvenile life without parole (LWOP) laws. For example, California has passed a law that allows juvenile lifers to be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, regardless of the severity of the crime. Other states, such as Missouri and Texas, have also implemented reforms that provide more opportunities for review and resentencing of juvenile lifers.

Despite these reforms, there are still many challenges associated with juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of evidence-based practices in the criminal justice system. Many juvenile lifers are sentenced based on unreliable evidence, such as eyewitness testimony or confessions that may have been coerced. This can lead to wrongful convictions and sentences that do not reflect the true nature of the crime or the individual's potential for reform.

Another challenge is the lack of resources and support for juvenile lifers and their families. Many juvenile lifers come from low-income families and may have limited access to education, job training, and other resources that can help them transition back into society. This can make it difficult for them to reintegrate and become productive members of society.

In conclusion, juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences have been a controversial topic in the criminal justice system for many years. While some argue that they are necessary to protect society from dangerous criminals, others believe that they are cruel and inhumane, and that they do not provide young people with the opportunity to reform and become productive members of society. This book examines the issue of juvenile life without parole (LWOP) sentences in its entirety and calls attention to both sides of the debate.

Suitable for scholars and practitioners interested in a balanced approach to the impact of important Supreme Court decisions and the controversy related to review and resentencing of juvenile lifers.

The first book to feature in-depth interviews with juvenile lifers as well as other involved parties, such as prosecutors, politicians, advocates, and victims and their families.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032067193