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U.S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments for Life without Parole for Minors

By Walin & Klarich

Recently, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases involving life sentences without the option for parole for minors. The two cases, Graham v. Florida and Sullivan v. Florida both involved two minors who were convicted of serious felonies when they were 16 and 13 years old, respectively. The boys were subsequently sentenced to life in prison and their cases are now before the United States Supreme Court. The attorneys for the boys argue that life without parole sentences for juveniles convicted of non-homicide offenses violates the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Most of the recent Supreme Court decisions involving cruel and unusual punishment have been decided by a 5-4 vote. It is anticipated that this decision may result in a similar close 5-4 decision...continue to full post

Full post as published by Southern California Criminal Defense Blog on December 27, 2009 (boomark / email).