Juvenile Sentencing and Supreme Court Rulings

Oct 17, 2024

Notes on Juvenile Sentencing and Punishment

Overview

  • Sentencing and punishment for juvenile crime is a complex issue.
  • Supreme Court cases have addressed the constitutionality of juvenile sentences.

Key Supreme Court Cases

Roper v. Simmons (2010)

  • Decision: It is unconstitutional to impose the death penalty on individuals for crimes committed before age 18.
  • Implication: No juvenile can receive the death penalty.

Graham v. Florida (2010)

  • Decision: Juveniles cannot be sentenced to life in prison without parole for non-homicide crimes.
  • Rationale: Such sentences constitute cruel and unusual punishment for juveniles.

Court's Reasoning

  • Juveniles possess lesser moral culpability compared to adults.
  • Therefore, juveniles are viewed as less deserving of the harshest punishments, such as the death penalty and life imprisonment without parole.

Conclusion

  • The Supreme Court rulings reflect a shift towards more lenient sentencing for juvenile offenders, recognizing their developmental differences from adults.