Video on Supreme Court hearing- LWOP for Juveniles

[Juni's Jeva]

A MUST see video from May 25, 2012

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionande...#comment-24786

[Nickel Timer]

Very interesting, thanks.

We should find out what the SCOTUS decides on this issue by the end of next week.

Even if LWOP for juveniles isn't found unconstitutional this year, I truly believe it will be within the next 20 years, depending on court appointments.

[Juni's Jeva]

Supreme court ruled in FAVOR!!

Check it out! I am so happy!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/06/25...for-juveniles/

and directly from the Supreme Court:

http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions...0-9646g2i8.pdf

[xxxaxxx]

I'm so glad, too. I almost cried when I read this.

Here are some more link:

http://www.scotusblog.com/2012/06/eighth-amendment-prohibits-mandatory-life-without-parole-for-juveniles/


http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/06/scotus-no-life-sentences-without-parole-for-juveniles-77268.html

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012...?smid=fb-share

[shawnee77]

So I have read and re read this what does this mean for our loved ones who were convicted as a juvenile to LWOP?

[Nickel Timer]

From what I understand, this ruling only affects states that have *mandatory* LWOP for juveniles who commit certain crimes. If LWOP wasn't mandatory and they were sentenced to LWOP anyway, it doesn't affect them. But its definitely a step in the right direction.

Again, like I said in the World Prison News thread, make sure you get out the vote for President Obama in November. There may not be many differences between him and Mitt Romney on most issues (indeed, they are both political moderates for the most part), Supreme Court appointments are the defining differences between the two parties, and the main reason to vote. Justice Scalia is 76-years-old and will likely be retiring in the next 4 years. He's been the biggest impediment to criminal justice reform on the court. If we can get rid of him and appoint another liberal to the bench, we will see the end of juvenile LWOP altogether.

[shawnee77]

Thanks Nickel it is all over the Iowa press today which is the state I am in and most affects my husband.. definitely a step in the right direction!

[Juni's Jeva]

In California, inmates who committed crimes as juveniles and were given sentences of life without the possibility of parole can now ask judges to reconsider their sentences after they serve at least 15 years in prison.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1927840.html