Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> Sentencing Law and Policy

Criminal Law

: Sentencing Law and Policy

Doesn't Kennedy suggest life in prison for failing to register is unconstitutional?

By Douglas A. Berman

This new Atlanta Journal-Constitution article highlights an appeal of an extreme state sentence that is another reflection of the modern sex offender panic.  The piece is entitled "Fairness of law to be judged -- Mandatory sentences: Georgia's Supreme Court will consider proportion."  Here are excerpts:The judge had only one option when he sentenced Cedric Bradshaw: life in prison.  Bradshaw had not committed murder, rape or armed robbery.  His offense was failing to properly register as a convicted sex offender for a second time ? even though he had repeatedly tried to follow the law.... On Monday, the state's highest court will consider whether the law is unconstitutional on grounds it is cruel and unusual punishment...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on June 29, 2008 (boomark / email).