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ACLU files complaint attacking constitutionality of LWOP for nine juves convicted of murder in Michigan

By Douglas A. Berman

As detailed in this local article, which is headlined "ACLU fights law sentencing kids to life in prison," the American Civil Liberties Union "sued the State of Michigan today on behalf of nine people who were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility for parole for crimes they committed as juveniles." Here are more details from the press report: The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit, says Michigan?s sentencing laws constitute cruel and unusual punishment and violate the constitutional rights of the inmates. All nine were sentenced for first-degree murder or felony murder. ?These life without parole sentences ignore the very real differences between children and adults, abandoning the concepts of redemption and second chances,? Deborah Labelle, lawyer for the ACLU of Michigan?s Juvenile Life Without Parole Initiative, said in a statement accompanying the suit...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on November 17, 2010 (boomark / email).