I think that this article was very interesting considering my mid-term paper is about this topic. I found this article so useful that I will use it as a source for my paper. Sentencing youth to potentially lifelong imprisonment is virtually nonexistent anywhere else in the world. Because of evidence that adolescent brain development should mitigate the culpability of youth, all states allow juveniles to be sentenced to life imprisonment. In the United States, nearly 12,000 people are serving a life sentence for a crime they committed under the age of 18. here were 2,310 people serving life-without-parole sentences for crimes committed as juveniles at the end of the year 2016. As of 2016, 7,346 people were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole for crimes committed under the age of 18. These sentences do not guarantee release on parole but allow for a parole review at certain intervals. In 2016, 2,089 people were serving virtual life sentences for crimes committed while under age 18. Virtual life sentences can be with or without parole. Eighty percent of youths serving life sentences are youth of color and more than 50% are African American. Over 80% of the youth life-sentenced population is African American and more than 100 Latino youth serving life sentences. In the years since, the practice of waiving minors into adult courts has drawn wide criticism. States have changed course regarding adjudication of juveniles since the 1990s and most have placed limits on the ability to charge a young person as if he or she was an adult. It’s so crazy to me that children that aren’t even old enough to purchase alcohol are being sentenced to death row. Yes, they did terrible acts, but they are children still learning, maturing, and growing. They obviously need serious help and throwing them behind bars is not going to fix or help their situation. They are either fighting, in pain, or needing attention, so they commit these acts as if they are covering a wound. We should have programs for children\young adults that commit these crimes because it’s not like it’s going to stop anytime soon. -PB001
This article concerning juvenile’s being sentenced to life imprisonment is very interesting, but there are five points in the article that really stick out to me. In the United States there are a ton of juveniles serving life sentences, around 12,000 juveniles under age 18. To me this is unbelievable because some of these children do not deserve this even if they committed a crime. These children should at least be given the possibility of parole, these kids are young and are subject to change. To me the only way a child should be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole is if they developed some sort of test that can decide whether or not the juvenile is a risk to society in the future. Another interesting fact is in 2016, 7,346 delinquents were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole. This, to me, shows that the courts have the ability to give delinquents the possibility of parole even though they had committed a terrible crime. This gives these children the chance to learn from their mistakes and go back into society to become a successful citizen. The third interesting point I found is that in 2016 over 2,000 juveniles were serving virtual life sentences which are life sentences that will most likely exceed the average life expectancy of humans. This blows my mind, giving a person under the age of 18 a sentence that will most likely last longer than their life, this is not fair, if a child makes a horrible, damaging mistake at a very young age, they could possibly never get a chance to prove themselves as better. The court has to understand that most human’s brains are not developed until their mid 20’s. this shows that they have room to grow mentally. The fourth interesting fact is that a majority of the kids serving life sentences, 80%, are of color. More than half of these people of color are African American. To me this is a shock, I believe that all kids no matter the race commit crimes equally, due to being young and dumb, so this statistic truly shocks me. The final interesting point I found is a very good thing to hear, the U.S. supreme court is allowing crimes to revised and possibly resentenced, so that all these kids have a chance at a better life. All in all, the way things worked in the past were not completely fair to juveniles, but it is very good to hear that they will be resentencing some juveniles. -LW001
This article talks about juveniles being sentenced to life without possible parole. I think that sentencing a juvenile to life without parole is a harsh sentence. Depending on what the crime was. But to have life without parole I think the crime this might be talking about is murder. Juveniles should do time for killing someone but also get some kind of help in prison to figure out why they killed someone. Now I’m not saying that the person he or she killed is not important but we don't want to lock that kid up for the rest of his or her life without the chance of parole. In the article it says that nearly twelve thousand people are serving a life sentence for a crime they committed under the age of eighteen. Which is sad to read about because they were young and could have been a mistake. I think judges should start thinking about what if he or she was my child how would I want them to be sentenced. Fair is I would say. Peennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michagan still have juveniles serving life without parole. It says “Typically, an initial wait period of twenty five years is required before a first review by the parole board, but states have extended this minimum as far as fifty one years, as in the case of Tennessee.” Why does someone have to wait fifty one years to have a chance at parole. There life is halfway over at that age. Not many jobs are going to hire that many people. Most importantly who came up with the sentence has to be fifty one years before that can get parole. They say they want to rehabilitate prisoners but we do stuff like this. Most prisons do not have programs for them to get help that they need. Batman001
Let me start by saying that I don’t believe crimes that were committed by juveniles should be punished in the same manner as offenses carried out by adults. I don’t agree with life sentencings without the possibility of parole for crimes committed by juveniles. When children commit crime, it is often out of circumstance or immaturity. Through adolescence, teens go through drastic hormonal changes and begin their journey for self-identification. Teen’s minds have not matured yet causing them to act irrational at times. The first thing that stuck out to me in this article was that in 2016, 12,000 people were serving life sentences for crimes committed when they were juveniles. Of those 12,000, 2,310 are serving life without possibility of parole. Through adolescence, our minds are developing molding us into who we are today. In this vulnerable time of life, it is easy for one to lash out. Only 23 of the 50 states in the U.S. have deemed life without parole for crimes committed by juveniles to be too harsh and unfair. This means 27 states in the U.S. still allow delinquency to be punished by life without the possibility of parole. In 2012, around 2,000 people who completed delinquency were finally allowed parole hearings. In recent years, more states are slowly leaning towards allowing life with parole for those who offended while under the age of 18. Another thing that I found to be interesting with the report was the racial and ethnic disparity data provided. While I expected disparity, I didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was. According to research, 80% of youth serving life sentences are youth of color, the majority being African American. In the South (Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi), we find that over 80% of the youth serving life sentences are African American. There is still clearly prejudice and unfair treatment in the justice system that we have today. If America is to truly offer equal opportunity, then the system must deliver equal and fair punishment to all. ENFJ001
I can't believe that all states allow for a juvenile to be sentenced to life in prison. Sentencing a juvenile to life takes away their chance to build a life for themselves. Nearly 12,000 juveniles under the age of 18 are serving a life sentence for a crime they committed. One point that I found interesting was that some cases involving a juvenile are being reviewed or given a new sentence. Even in a small number of cases juveniles have been released form prison. In Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michigan are where half of juveniles are serving a life sentence without parole. Even those juveniles who are serving life with parole doesn't mean that they are guaranteed to be released. Usually a person has to wait 25 years for their first review by the parole board, but some states extended it to a minimum of 51 years! To me that is just ridiculous. I don't understand how that is even allowed. There are more juveniles serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole. Many parole applicants were denied a release date due to their offense. One of the forms of sentencing that I have never heard of before is virtual life sentences. A little over 2000 juveniles are serving this form of sentence. Apparently this applies when a sentence length exceeds typical life expectancy and can be either with or without parole. Not only are there so many people serving a life sentence with or without possibility of parole, there are some states who have not reported how many juveniles are serving the same type of sentences. So the numbers in those reports could be greater than what is currently written. Another point that I have noticed is the disproportionate number of minorities who are serving a life sentence. 80% of of youth serving life sentences are minorities. And 50% of that are African American. In a few Southern states there are over 80% of youth who are African American serving a life sentence. One of the biggest problems in the criminal justice system is the disproportionate rate of minorities who are in prison. According to the table 1 in the article there are more juveniles serving life sentences than adults. -Ram001
Ever since Clinton signed the one crime bill it has been a a trouble like nothing else. We are putting everyone in jail. According to tax payers this is a big problem and burden. We are crucifying some people that shouldn’t be criminalized on the penal code for such minor crimes such as petty drug charges with mairijuana. The more drugs we make legal are saying that less trouble but the opposiate with sending people to prison and ending the more people we incarcicerate. After prison it seems like some of the studies show that population of 1980 violent offenses have gone up, along with drugs up al most 26%. Properties crimes grow lower but still violent offenses were still up? In the Mass inceration handout, it’s stating prisons are factories behind fences? Would part of this explain a cheap labor force? Low wages are a big factor with these bigger firms mean bigger profits? Some people are making not even half of minimum wage or less producing the same quality of goods with no benefits with few rights and protections how is this fair? The people that get out of prison, probation, or just out of jail how do you think they feel? They been violated by their peers, loved ones, ones they trusted? All they have to do now is focus on the now that they have a future giving them a second chance and something when they land it. Promise is a fortune. I know, I have seen it. Meaning if you believe in family and love and god sorry just about ebrything will get better! Criminals that choose to go back to to things? Let me ask you a queastion? If you have family that love you? Why go to jail? Why? Tell your mother or father you are better than that. When is the cut off point?
Ever since Clinton signed the one crime bill it has been a a trouble like nothing else. We are putting everyone in jail. According to tax payers this is a big problem and burden. We are crucifying some people that shouldn’t be criminalized on the penal code for such minor crimes such as petty drug charges with mairijuana. The more drugs we make legal are saying that less trouble but the opposiate with sending people to prison and ending the more people we incarcicerate. After prison it seems like some of the studies show that population of 1980 violent offenses have gone up, along with drugs up al most 26%. Properties crimes grow lower but still violent offenses were still up? In the Mass inceration handout, it’s stating prisons are factories behind fences? Would part of this explain a cheap labor force? Low wages are a big factor with these bigger firms mean bigger profits? Some people are making not even half of minimum wage or less producing the same quality of goods with no benefits with few rights and protections how is this fair? The people that get out of prison, probation, or just out of jail how do you think they feel? They been violated by their peers, loved ones, ones they trusted? All they have to do now is focus on the now that they have a future giving them a second chance and something when they land it. Promise is a fortune. I know, I have seen it. Meaning if you believe in family and love and god sorry just about everything will get better! Criminals that choose to go back to to things? Let me ask you a queation? If you have family that love you? Why go to jail? Why? Tell your mother or father you are better than that. When is the cut off point? Navy002
Our youth do not belong behind prison bars. There is evidence that tells us that a child's brain is not fully developed, regardless of all states allow children to be sentenced to a life of prison. The United States is sadly one of the only places in the world that would send a juvenile to life in prison. All except two of the states have “virtual life” for crimes committed by juveniles. Shockingly just about 12,000 people are currently serving a life sentence for a crime they had committed under the age of eighteen years old. At the end of 2016, a little more than 2,000 juveniles were serving life without parole. Montgomery v. Louisiana in 2017, resulted in the majority of the states riding of juvenile life without parole sentences and reviewing their cases and giving them lesser sentences. Roughly 7,000 people in the year 2016 were serving life without parole for crimes that they had committed before their eighteenth birthday. Life without parole sentences do not guarantee a chance for parole but will do a review for parole typically after twenty-five years. Clifornia, Georgia, New York, and Texas combined attribute for more than sixty percent of minors serving life without parole. Nearly 2,000 people in 2016 were serving a virtual life sentence for something they committed under the age of eighteen years. Virtual life sentences can be with or without parole and are applied when the sentence exceeds the life expectancy. Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas are responsible for over sixty percent of virtual life sentences.Sadly the amount of juveniles serving some sort of life with or without parole is consistently higher than the amount of adults. Race certainly comes into play, nearly eighty percent of juvenile life sentences are people of color, with fifty percent of them being african american. We need to make changes and fight for the injustice our children are facing for delinquency. Kids are still developing and without recognizing this we are dooming them for a life of hardship. Discipline is necessary for troubled youth but no child deserves to rot their entire life away behind bars for a mistake made as a child. -KF001
In this article, it discusses the problems with sentencing youths to life imprisonment. My first point of interest that I found within the article was that sentencing youths to life imprisonment is basically nonexistent anywhere else in the world. That statement surprises me because I believe we have gotten so used to juveniles in prison that we think it happens everywhere and it’s a good thing that it doesn’t. In my opinion, when people read that statement right off the bat they should think about how much our nation needs to change and develop so that youths are not being sentenced to prison for the rest of their lives. A second point of the article that I thought was interesting was when they discuss how brain development in adolescents should be a factor in whether or not they should be sentenced to life. I agree with the evidence behind the brain development of the youth because children and teens do not always think things all the way through before they act on it. Brains are not fully developed when you are a teenager, it actually does not develop completely for most people until their mid-twenties. From the article, it states the Supreme Court is limiting life without-parole sentencing because of the “established science showing the importance of brain development on decision making”. Which is also allowing about 2,000 people to be considered for sentencing reviews. I believe that it is a good thing people are starting to realize that brain functions relate to what a teenager does because teenagers do stupid things without thinking about what will happen after. Another point that interested me was when it discussed that the state of California is taking steps to make sure the parole boards are considering age-related factors when sentencing and created Youth Offender Hearings. The next point I found interesting was about the virtual life sentences because I did not know virtual life sentences could be with or without parole. Also, I didn’t know that this sentence applies when the length of the sentence exceeds the typical life expectancy. The last point that I found interesting in the article is when they mentioned that the rising violence that happened during the 1980s led to today’s growth of life sentences for juveniles. This then led to harsh punishment for juveniles in the adult court.
Before reading this article I already had mixed feelings regarding sentencing a juvenile life in prison and after reading this, I really disagree with this practice. The states of Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michigan have the highest numbers of juveniles who have life sentences without parole which is half of the national total. That just does not seem right considering that is only 3 states out of 50. If a juvenile commits a delinquent act that causes him or her to be waived into the adult justice system I can understand the need for the punishment to be as harsh as the crime committed but that is where we need to consider age. Many juveniles do not have the mental capacity to sometimes understand right from wrong and if we strip them of the rest of their lives without having the ability to see the world, I just feel that to be wrong. The states with the highest numbers of individuals serving life with parole are California, Georgia, Texas and New York which totals over 60% of the national total. This as well as the states with the highest number for LWOP just seem strange because all of the states are vastly different in their beliefs, despite being grouped together. Regarding LWP the wait period to have your case brought up to a parole board is 25 years but some states have raised that to 51 years. If a juvenile was sentenced to life at 17 that would make them 68 by the time they could potentially even be released. By that late of an age they would be so deeply institutionalized they would struggle to adapt to the society they once left. The ethnic disparities we are facing when looking at life sentences for juveniles is also quite an issue when 80 percent are juveniles of color. The southern states also have higher numbers of African American youth serving life sentences which could be a result of location but it is still very sad to see. The reform our country is going through will hopefully end the racial disparity and also hopefully find better routes that LWOP sentences for our youth. -Blues001
The first thing that caught my eye is that at yearend 2016, 2,310 people were serving a life sentence without parole that they committed when they are under the age of eighteen. I notice that the 2,310 people are part of the nearly 12,000 people who are serving a life sentence for crimes as juveniles. Thanks to the Supreme Court, that in 2017, sentencing juvenile without parole is no longer valid. Second, 7,346 people are serving life sentences with the possibility of parole. What disturbs me the most about this is that for inmates to be eligible for parole review by the parole board, one has to wait and serve twenty-five years sentence initially. What more ridiculous is that in the state of Tennessee, the inmate has to wait a minimum of fifty-one years to get a review for parole. Third that I notice the sentencing called virtual life, a type of sentence that can be with or without parole. This type of life sentence applies when the sentence length exceeds typical life expectancy. This sounds ridiculous for the reason that who will know when someone will exceed life expectancy? As of 2016, 2,089 people are serving under that sentence that they committed when they are under the age of eighteen. Fourth is that people who are incarcerated and imprisoned are people of color. There is about eighty percent of youth who are serving life sentences, and these youths these compose of the youth of color, and around fifty percent are African American. I notice that racial thing is not the only problem of our criminal justice system. Ethnic disparities are another problem of the criminal justice system. This problem is hugely noticeable in the states of California, Texas, and New York in which more than 100 Latino youth are serving life sentences compared to adults serving life sentences. Lastly, each state has changed courses regarding the judgment of juveniles since the 1990s. I learned that the U.S Supreme Court, vacated the mandatorily-imposed life without parole in 2012, which give approximately 2,000 individuals under eighteen to be eligible for parole. It is also thanks to the help of science development that shows that brain development is essential when it comes to decision making. -Cancun001
I can't believe that we are one of the only countries in the world that would imprison youth for a life sentence. To me this is completely wrong. the article states that there are 2,310 people serving life without parole for crimes they committed as juveniles . On top of that adding the virtual sentences along with it just to give the added dealt of knowing they would never get out. i think that this is a waste of tax payer money. As of 3 years ago 7,346 people were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole for crimes they committed when they younger. I can't believe they have to wait at least 25 years before they can even get a hearing. It states like in California that before a parole board like it must develop official procedures before including youth at the time of the offense as an important factor during a hearing. The board even states that is required to give weight to the diminished blameworthiness of the juvenile as to compared to adults. It states in the article that virtual life sentences can be with or without parole. Even though its not right but racial and ethnicities are a big component when it comes to the sentencing in the judicial system. There is a big disparity in this. The black youth among those with life sentences is astonishing. It seems like 80% that are serving life seem to be more of color that and Hispanic. Mostly you can see this down in the southern stated such as Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. When you look at adults serving life it seems way off compared to youths. Either way the system needs to change and do something about each youth and circumstance and reform the system. This way we can rehabilitate and keep the numbers down in own prison system while saving money. Navy001
looking at the title right away, I knew this is going to be a very controversial topic. You sentenced to life imprisonment is always a heated topic of conversation. All states allow juveniles to be sentenced to life and most states allow them to serve “virtual life sentences.” Virtual life sentences don’t normally bother me for adults but when it comes to you I feel like it is over the top. Virtual life sentences don’t normally bother me for adults but when it comes to youth I feel like it is over the top. A Juvenile is different from an adult in that their brains are not fully developed and most of the time are not aware of what they are doing is wrong or they do know what they are doing is wrong but have not had the proper assistance to prevent themselves from doing it again. Adults are not the same as they were when they were young, that being said why are we sentencing juveniles to life with or without the possibility of parole OR giving them virtual life. For example a juvenile murders a person that may or may not deserve the life sentence but I personally do not believe that that same juvenile needs to be sentence way over the time that they are expected to live. in connection with my statements about virtual life, “ as of 2016, 7346 people were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole for crimes committed under the age of 18. typically, and initial weight. Of 25 years is required before a first review by the parole board some states have extended this minimum to as far as 51 years.” Again, I will probably sound like a broken record her by the end of this blog response, and adult is not the same person they were when they were 16, 12, 17, s again, I will probably sound like a broken record or by the end of this blog response, an adult is not the same person they were when they were 16, 12, 17, 9, Life with the possibility of parole is definitely better than life without parole, but where is the hope that these juveniles could possibly gather if they live in one of the states that have extended the minimum 251 year Life with the possibility of parole is definitely better than life without parole, but where is the hope that these juveniles could possibly gather if they live in one of the states that have extended the minimum to 51 years? “ States with the highest population of people serve LWP For crimes committed as minors are California, Georgia, New York, in Texas. Combined these for states hold more than 60% of the national total. S for crimes committed as minors are California, Georgia, New York, and Texas. Combined these four states hold more than 60% of the national total. Life with parole sentences for juveniles were not reported in five states” Looking at this statement I was a bit confused. For the five states that did not report life with parole sentences, did that mean that they do life without cream or try not to put juveniles in that situation in the first place? A positive note that I did notice was in California. California has, “ taking the steps to ensure that it’s pre-board considers various age related factors through creation of its youth offender hearings.” “ The board is required to give great weight to diminished culpability of juveniles as compared to adults, the homework features of youth, and any subsequent growth in increased maturity of the inmate. Moreover, if the hearing panel relies on a risk assessment in assessing a youth offenders growth and maturity, the risk assessment must take into consideration these factors.” . on a negative and positive note, Missouri is under a federal court order it has been ordered to implement new protocols for the Paris review process. This is because they have been denying juveniles a release date simply because of their underlying offense.
Reading about life imprisonment of our youth obviously brought up a lot of points of interest for all of us. This is our field of study, and the more we are presented with articles, and publications like these the more questions we will begin to have. Sentencing juveniles to life in prison has been a great topic of discussion in the criminal justice field for as long as I can remember. People have varying views on the situation, and it is almost difficult to tell anyone that they are wrong with any amount of certainty. In 2017, the supreme court had a case that completely invalidated any sentence that put a child in prison for life, without the opportunity of parole up until that point. This ruling was made because of the Montgomery v. Louisiana case, and it definitely rocked the boat a little bit. Bouncing off of that point, half of the nation’s children that are serving life without parole are in the states of Louisiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It is absolutely crazy that only 3 states of our nation are holding that large of an amount of children for life, never allowing them parole. If we are talking about life sentences with parole, New York, Georgia, Texas and California are responsible for holding more than 60% of children with that kind of sentencing. Another supreme court case that ruled in favor of minors serving life without parole was Miller v. Alabama. In 2012 this case vacated the life without parole sentence for nearly 2,000 children under the age of 18 when their crime was committed. With this though, these individuals are not just getting out of prison all of a sudden, their sentences are just changing. A lot of them are still serving life, they are just getting the chance of parole now. The last fact that I found interesting has to do with racial disparity. I just finished up an eight week course of gender and crime. Though the class was centralized around gender, within gender disparities lie racial disparities as well. For example yes all women may be treated poorly in prisons, but black women are treated worse than white women in most cases. With that being said, Out of the 80% of children serving life sentences, more than half of that 80% are black youth. Even worse, in some of our southern states like Mississippi and Alabama, more than 80% of the youth sentenced to life are black. Though it is uncomfortable for some people to talk about race, and the inequalities associated with it, we have to talk about this stuff. We especially have to talk about it when it is affecting the children of our country so greatly. -psych001
I think that this article was very interesting considering my mid-term paper is about this topic. I found this article so useful that I will use it as a source for my paper. Sentencing youth to potentially lifelong imprisonment is virtually nonexistent anywhere else in the world. Because of evidence that adolescent brain development should mitigate the culpability of youth, all states allow juveniles to be sentenced to life imprisonment. In the United States, nearly 12,000 people are serving a life sentence for a crime they committed under the age of 18. here were 2,310 people serving life-without-parole sentences for crimes committed as juveniles at the end of the year 2016. As of 2016, 7,346 people were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole for crimes committed under the age of 18. These sentences do not guarantee release on parole but allow for a parole review at certain intervals. In 2016, 2,089 people were serving virtual life sentences for crimes committed while under age 18. Virtual life sentences can be with or without parole. Eighty percent of youths serving life sentences are youth of color and more than 50% are African American. Over 80% of the youth life-sentenced population is African American and more than 100 Latino youth serving life sentences. In the years since, the practice of waiving minors into adult courts has drawn wide criticism. States have changed course regarding adjudication of juveniles since the 1990s and most have placed limits on the ability to charge a young person as if he or she was an adult. It’s so crazy to me that children that aren’t even old enough to purchase alcohol are being sentenced to death row. Yes, they did terrible acts, but they are children still learning, maturing, and growing. They obviously need serious help and throwing them behind bars is not going to fix or help their situation. They are either fighting, in pain, or needing attention, so they commit these acts as if they are covering a wound. We should have programs for children\young adults that commit these crimes because it’s not like it’s going to stop anytime soon. -PB001
ReplyDeleteThis article concerning juvenile’s being sentenced to life imprisonment is very interesting, but there are five points in the article that really stick out to me. In the United States there are a ton of juveniles serving life sentences, around 12,000 juveniles under age 18. To me this is unbelievable because some of these children do not deserve this even if they committed a crime. These children should at least be given the possibility of parole, these kids are young and are subject to change. To me the only way a child should be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole is if they developed some sort of test that can decide whether or not the juvenile is a risk to society in the future. Another interesting fact is in 2016, 7,346 delinquents were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole. This, to me, shows that the courts have the ability to give delinquents the possibility of parole even though they had committed a terrible crime. This gives these children the chance to learn from their mistakes and go back into society to become a successful citizen. The third interesting point I found is that in 2016 over 2,000 juveniles were serving virtual life sentences which are life sentences that will most likely exceed the average life expectancy of humans. This blows my mind, giving a person under the age of 18 a sentence that will most likely last longer than their life, this is not fair, if a child makes a horrible, damaging mistake at a very young age, they could possibly never get a chance to prove themselves as better. The court has to understand that most human’s brains are not developed until their mid 20’s. this shows that they have room to grow mentally. The fourth interesting fact is that a majority of the kids serving life sentences, 80%, are of color. More than half of these people of color are African American. To me this is a shock, I believe that all kids no matter the race commit crimes equally, due to being young and dumb, so this statistic truly shocks me. The final interesting point I found is a very good thing to hear, the U.S. supreme court is allowing crimes to revised and possibly resentenced, so that all these kids have a chance at a better life. All in all, the way things worked in the past were not completely fair to juveniles, but it is very good to hear that they will be resentencing some juveniles. -LW001
ReplyDeleteThis article talks about juveniles being sentenced to life without possible parole. I think that sentencing a juvenile to life without parole is a harsh sentence. Depending on what the crime was. But to have life without parole I think the crime this might be talking about is murder. Juveniles should do time for killing someone but also get some kind of help in prison to figure out why they killed someone. Now I’m not saying that the person he or she killed is not important but we don't want to lock that kid up for the rest of his or her life without the chance of parole. In the article it says that nearly twelve thousand people are serving a life sentence for a crime they committed under the age of eighteen. Which is sad to read about because they were young and could have been a mistake. I think judges should start thinking about what if he or she was my child how would I want them to be sentenced. Fair is I would say. Peennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michagan still have juveniles serving life without parole. It says “Typically, an initial wait period of twenty five years is required before a first review by the parole board, but states have extended this minimum as far as fifty one years, as in the case of Tennessee.” Why does someone have to wait fifty one years to have a chance at parole. There life is halfway over at that age. Not many jobs are going to hire that many people. Most importantly who came up with the sentence has to be fifty one years before that can get parole. They say they want to rehabilitate prisoners but we do stuff like this. Most prisons do not have programs for them to get help that they need. Batman001
ReplyDeleteLet me start by saying that I don’t believe crimes that were committed by juveniles should be punished in the same manner as offenses carried out by adults. I don’t agree with life sentencings without the possibility of parole for crimes committed by juveniles. When children commit crime, it is often out of circumstance or immaturity. Through adolescence, teens go through drastic hormonal changes and begin their journey for self-identification. Teen’s minds have not matured yet causing them to act irrational at times. The first thing that stuck out to me in this article was that in 2016, 12,000 people were serving life sentences for crimes committed when they were juveniles. Of those 12,000, 2,310 are serving life without possibility of parole. Through adolescence, our minds are developing molding us into who we are today. In this vulnerable time of life, it is easy for one to lash out. Only 23 of the 50 states in the U.S. have deemed life without parole for crimes committed by juveniles to be too harsh and unfair. This means 27 states in the U.S. still allow delinquency to be punished by life without the possibility of parole. In 2012, around 2,000 people who completed delinquency were finally allowed parole hearings. In recent years, more states are slowly leaning towards allowing life with parole for those who offended while under the age of 18. Another thing that I found to be interesting with the report was the racial and ethnic disparity data provided. While I expected disparity, I didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was. According to research, 80% of youth serving life sentences are youth of color, the majority being African American. In the South (Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi), we find that over 80% of the youth serving life sentences are African American. There is still clearly prejudice and unfair treatment in the justice system that we have today. If America is to truly offer equal opportunity, then the system must deliver equal and fair punishment to all. ENFJ001
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that all states allow for a juvenile to be sentenced to life in prison. Sentencing a juvenile to life takes away their chance to build a life for themselves. Nearly 12,000 juveniles under the age of 18 are serving a life sentence for a crime they committed. One point that I found interesting was that some cases involving a juvenile are being reviewed or given a new sentence. Even in a small number of cases juveniles have been released form prison. In Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michigan are where half of juveniles are serving a life sentence without parole. Even those juveniles who are serving life with parole doesn't mean that they are guaranteed to be released. Usually a person has to wait 25 years for their first review by the parole board, but some states extended it to a minimum of 51 years! To me that is just ridiculous. I don't understand how that is even allowed. There are more juveniles serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole. Many parole applicants were denied a release date due to their offense. One of the forms of sentencing that I have never heard of before is virtual life sentences. A little over 2000 juveniles are serving this form of sentence. Apparently this applies when a sentence length exceeds typical life expectancy and can be either with or without parole. Not only are there so many people serving a life sentence with or without possibility of parole, there are some states who have not reported how many juveniles are serving the same type of sentences. So the numbers in those reports could be greater than what is currently written. Another point that I have noticed is the disproportionate number of minorities who are serving a life sentence. 80% of of youth serving life sentences are minorities. And 50% of that are African American. In a few Southern states there are over 80% of youth who are African American serving a life sentence. One of the biggest problems in the criminal justice system is the disproportionate rate of minorities who are in prison. According to the table 1 in the article there are more juveniles serving life sentences than adults.
ReplyDelete-Ram001
Ever since Clinton signed the one crime bill it has been a a trouble like nothing else. We are putting everyone in jail. According to tax payers this is a big problem and burden. We are crucifying some people that shouldn’t be criminalized on the penal code for such minor crimes such as petty drug charges with mairijuana. The more drugs we make legal are saying that less trouble but the opposiate with sending people to prison and ending the more people we incarcicerate. After prison it seems like some of the studies show that population of 1980 violent offenses have gone up, along with drugs up al most 26%. Properties crimes grow lower but still violent offenses were still up? In the Mass inceration handout, it’s stating prisons are factories behind fences? Would part of this explain a cheap labor force? Low wages are a big factor with these bigger firms mean bigger profits? Some people are making not even half of minimum wage or less producing the same quality of goods with no benefits with few rights and protections how is this fair? The people that get out of prison, probation, or just out of jail how do you think they feel? They been violated by their peers, loved ones, ones they trusted? All they have to do now is focus on the now that they have a future giving them a second chance and something when they land it. Promise is a fortune. I know, I have seen it. Meaning if you believe in family and love and god sorry just about ebrything will get better! Criminals that choose to go back to to things? Let me ask you a queastion? If you have family that love you? Why go to jail? Why? Tell your mother or father you are better than that. When is the cut off point?
ReplyDeletenavy002
DeleteEver since Clinton signed the one crime bill it has been a a trouble like nothing else. We are putting everyone in jail. According to tax payers this is a big problem and burden. We are crucifying some people that shouldn’t be criminalized on the penal code for such minor crimes such as petty drug charges with mairijuana. The more drugs we make legal are saying that less trouble but the opposiate with sending people to prison and ending the more people we incarcicerate. After prison it seems like some of the studies show that population of 1980 violent offenses have gone up, along with drugs up al most 26%. Properties crimes grow lower but still violent offenses were still up? In the Mass inceration handout, it’s stating prisons are factories behind fences? Would part of this explain a cheap labor force? Low wages are a big factor with these bigger firms mean bigger profits? Some people are making not even half of minimum wage or less producing the same quality of goods with no benefits with few rights and protections how is this fair? The people that get out of prison, probation, or just out of jail how do you think they feel? They been violated by their peers, loved ones, ones they trusted? All they have to do now is focus on the now that they have a future giving them a second chance and something when they land it. Promise is a fortune. I know, I have seen it. Meaning if you believe in family and love and god sorry just about everything will get better! Criminals that choose to go back to to things? Let me ask you a queation? If you have family that love you? Why go to jail? Why? Tell your mother or father you are better than that. When is the cut off point? Navy002
ReplyDeleteOur youth do not belong behind prison bars. There is evidence that tells us that a child's brain is not fully developed, regardless of all states allow children to be sentenced to a life of prison. The United States is sadly one of the only places in the world that would send a juvenile to life in prison. All except two of the states have “virtual life” for crimes committed by juveniles. Shockingly just about 12,000 people are currently serving a life sentence for a crime they had committed under the age of eighteen years old. At the end of 2016, a little more than 2,000 juveniles were serving life without parole. Montgomery v. Louisiana in 2017, resulted in the majority of the states riding of juvenile life without parole sentences and reviewing their cases and giving them lesser sentences. Roughly 7,000 people in the year 2016 were serving life without parole for crimes that they had committed before their eighteenth birthday. Life without parole sentences do not guarantee a chance for parole but will do a review for parole typically after twenty-five years. Clifornia, Georgia, New York, and Texas combined attribute for more than sixty percent of minors serving life without parole. Nearly 2,000 people in 2016 were serving a virtual life sentence for something they committed under the age of eighteen years. Virtual life sentences can be with or without parole and are applied when the sentence exceeds the life expectancy. Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas are responsible for over sixty percent of virtual life sentences.Sadly the amount of juveniles serving some sort of life with or without parole is consistently higher than the amount of adults. Race certainly comes into play, nearly eighty percent of juvenile life sentences are people of color, with fifty percent of them being african american. We need to make changes and fight for the injustice our children are facing for delinquency. Kids are still developing and without recognizing this we are dooming them for a life of hardship. Discipline is necessary for troubled youth but no child deserves to rot their entire life away behind bars for a mistake made as a child.
ReplyDelete-KF001
In this article, it discusses the problems with sentencing youths to life imprisonment. My first point of interest that I found within the article was that sentencing youths to life imprisonment is basically nonexistent anywhere else in the world. That statement surprises me because I believe we have gotten so used to juveniles in prison that we think it happens everywhere and it’s a good thing that it doesn’t. In my opinion, when people read that statement right off the bat they should think about how much our nation needs to change and develop so that youths are not being sentenced to prison for the rest of their lives. A second point of the article that I thought was interesting was when they discuss how brain development in adolescents should be a factor in whether or not they should be sentenced to life. I agree with the evidence behind the brain development of the youth because children and teens do not always think things all the way through before they act on it. Brains are not fully developed when you are a teenager, it actually does not develop completely for most people until their mid-twenties. From the article, it states the Supreme Court is limiting life without-parole sentencing because of the “established science showing the importance of brain development on decision making”. Which is also allowing about 2,000 people to be considered for sentencing reviews. I believe that it is a good thing people are starting to realize that brain functions relate to what a teenager does because teenagers do stupid things without thinking about what will happen after. Another point that interested me was when it discussed that the state of California is taking steps to make sure the parole boards are considering age-related factors when sentencing and created Youth Offender Hearings. The next point I found interesting was about the virtual life sentences because I did not know virtual life sentences could be with or without parole. Also, I didn’t know that this sentence applies when the length of the sentence exceeds the typical life expectancy. The last point that I found interesting in the article is when they mentioned that the rising violence that happened during the 1980s led to today’s growth of life sentences for juveniles. This then led to harsh punishment for juveniles in the adult court.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this article I already had mixed feelings regarding sentencing a juvenile life in prison and after reading this, I really disagree with this practice. The states of Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michigan have the highest numbers of juveniles who have life sentences without parole which is half of the national total. That just does not seem right considering that is only 3 states out of 50. If a juvenile commits a delinquent act that causes him or her to be waived into the adult justice system I can understand the need for the punishment to be as harsh as the crime committed but that is where we need to consider age. Many juveniles do not have the mental capacity to sometimes understand right from wrong and if we strip them of the rest of their lives without having the ability to see the world, I just feel that to be wrong. The states with the highest numbers of individuals serving life with parole are California, Georgia, Texas and New York which totals over 60% of the national total. This as well as the states with the highest number for LWOP just seem strange because all of the states are vastly different in their beliefs, despite being grouped together. Regarding LWP the wait period to have your case brought up to a parole board is 25 years but some states have raised that to 51 years. If a juvenile was sentenced to life at 17 that would make them 68 by the time they could potentially even be released. By that late of an age they would be so deeply institutionalized they would struggle to adapt to the society they once left. The ethnic disparities we are facing when looking at life sentences for juveniles is also quite an issue when 80 percent are juveniles of color. The southern states also have higher numbers of African American youth serving life sentences which could be a result of location but it is still very sad to see. The reform our country is going through will hopefully end the racial disparity and also hopefully find better routes that LWOP sentences for our youth. -Blues001
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that caught my eye is that at yearend 2016, 2,310 people were serving a life sentence without parole that they committed when they are under the age of eighteen. I notice that the 2,310 people are part of the nearly 12,000 people who are serving a life sentence for crimes as juveniles. Thanks to the Supreme Court, that in 2017, sentencing juvenile without parole is no longer valid. Second, 7,346 people are serving life sentences with the possibility of parole. What disturbs me the most about this is that for inmates to be eligible for parole review by the parole board, one has to wait and serve twenty-five years sentence initially. What more ridiculous is that in the state of Tennessee, the inmate has to wait a minimum of fifty-one years to get a review for parole. Third that I notice the sentencing called virtual life, a type of sentence that can be with or without parole. This type of life sentence applies when the sentence length exceeds typical life expectancy. This sounds ridiculous for the reason that who will know when someone will exceed life expectancy? As of 2016, 2,089 people are serving under that sentence that they committed when they are under the age of eighteen. Fourth is that people who are incarcerated and imprisoned are people of color. There is about eighty percent of youth who are serving life sentences, and these youths these compose of the youth of color, and around fifty percent are African American. I notice that racial thing is not the only problem of our criminal justice system. Ethnic disparities are another problem of the criminal justice system. This problem is hugely noticeable in the states of California, Texas, and New York in which more than 100 Latino youth are serving life sentences compared to adults serving life sentences. Lastly, each state has changed courses regarding the judgment of juveniles since the 1990s. I learned that the U.S Supreme Court, vacated the mandatorily-imposed life without parole in 2012, which give approximately 2,000 individuals under eighteen to be eligible for parole. It is also thanks to the help of science development that shows that brain development is essential when it comes to decision making. -Cancun001
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that we are one of the only countries in the world that would imprison youth for a life sentence. To me this is completely wrong. the article states that there are 2,310 people serving life without parole for crimes they committed as juveniles . On top of that adding the virtual sentences along with it just to give the added dealt of knowing they would never get out. i think that this is a waste of tax payer money. As of 3 years ago 7,346 people were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole for crimes they committed when they younger. I can't believe they have to wait at least 25 years before they can even get a hearing. It states like in California that before a parole board like it must develop official procedures before including youth at the time of the offense as an important factor during a hearing. The board even states that is required to give weight to the diminished blameworthiness of the juvenile as to compared to adults. It states in the article that virtual life sentences can be with or without parole. Even though its not right but racial and ethnicities are a big component when it comes to the sentencing in the judicial system. There is a big disparity in this. The black youth among those with life sentences is astonishing. It seems like 80% that are serving life seem to be more of color that and Hispanic. Mostly you can see this down in the southern stated such as Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. When you look at adults serving life it seems way off compared to youths. Either way the system needs to change and do something about each youth and circumstance and reform the system. This way we can rehabilitate and keep the numbers down in own prison system while saving money. Navy001
ReplyDeletelooking at the title right away, I knew this is going to be a very controversial topic. You sentenced to life imprisonment is always a heated topic of conversation. All states allow juveniles to be sentenced to life and most states allow them to serve “virtual life sentences.” Virtual life sentences don’t normally bother me for adults but when it comes to you I feel like it is over the top. Virtual life sentences don’t normally bother me for adults but when it comes to youth I feel like it is over the top. A Juvenile is different from an adult in that their brains are not fully developed and most of the time are not aware of what they are doing is wrong or they do know what they are doing is wrong but have not had the proper assistance to prevent themselves from doing it again. Adults are not the same as they were when they were young, that being said why are we sentencing juveniles to life with or without the possibility of parole OR giving them virtual life. For example a juvenile murders a person that may or may not deserve the life sentence but I personally do not believe that that same juvenile needs to be sentence way over the time that they are expected to live. in connection with my statements about virtual life, “ as of 2016, 7346 people were serving life sentences with the possibility of parole for crimes committed under the age of 18. typically, and initial weight. Of 25 years is required before a first review by the parole board some states have extended this minimum to as far as 51 years.” Again, I will probably sound like a broken record her by the end of this blog response, and adult is not the same person they were when they were 16, 12, 17, s again, I will probably sound like a broken record or by the end of this blog response, an adult is not the same person they were when they were 16, 12, 17, 9, Life with the possibility of parole is definitely better than life without parole, but where is the hope that these juveniles could possibly gather if they live in one of the states that have extended the minimum 251 year Life with the possibility of parole is definitely better than life without parole, but where is the hope that these juveniles could possibly gather if they live in one of the states that have extended the minimum to 51 years? “ States with the highest population of people serve LWP For crimes committed as minors are California, Georgia, New York, in Texas. Combined these for states hold more than 60% of the national total. S for crimes committed as minors are California, Georgia, New York, and Texas. Combined these four states hold more than 60% of the national total. Life with parole sentences for juveniles were not reported in five states” Looking at this statement I was a bit confused. For the five states that did not report life with parole sentences, did that mean that they do life without cream or try not to put juveniles in that situation in the first place? A positive note that I did notice was in California. California has, “ taking the steps to ensure that it’s pre-board considers various age related factors through creation of its youth offender hearings.” “ The board is required to give great weight to diminished culpability of juveniles as compared to adults, the homework features of youth, and any subsequent growth in increased maturity of the inmate. Moreover, if the hearing panel relies on a risk assessment in assessing a youth offenders growth and maturity, the risk assessment must take into consideration these factors.” . on a negative and positive note, Missouri is under a federal court order it has been ordered to implement new protocols for the Paris review process. This is because they have been denying juveniles a release date simply because of their underlying offense.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to sign! -TanLionNala001
DeleteReading about life imprisonment of our youth obviously brought up a lot of points of interest for all of us. This is our field of study, and the more we are presented with articles, and publications like these the more questions we will begin to have. Sentencing juveniles to life in prison has been a great topic of discussion in the criminal justice field for as long as I can remember. People have varying views on the situation, and it is almost difficult to tell anyone that they are wrong with any amount of certainty. In 2017, the supreme court had a case that completely invalidated any sentence that put a child in prison for life, without the opportunity of parole up until that point. This ruling was made because of the Montgomery v. Louisiana case, and it definitely rocked the boat a little bit. Bouncing off of that point, half of the nation’s children that are serving life without parole are in the states of Louisiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It is absolutely crazy that only 3 states of our nation are holding that large of an amount of children for life, never allowing them parole. If we are talking about life sentences with parole, New York, Georgia, Texas and California are responsible for holding more than 60% of children with that kind of sentencing. Another supreme court case that ruled in favor of minors serving life without parole was Miller v. Alabama. In 2012 this case vacated the life without parole sentence for nearly 2,000 children under the age of 18 when their crime was committed. With this though, these individuals are not just getting out of prison all of a sudden, their sentences are just changing. A lot of them are still serving life, they are just getting the chance of parole now. The last fact that I found interesting has to do with racial disparity. I just finished up an eight week course of gender and crime. Though the class was centralized around gender, within gender disparities lie racial disparities as well. For example yes all women may be treated poorly in prisons, but black women are treated worse than white women in most cases. With that being said, Out of the 80% of children serving life sentences, more than half of that 80% are black youth. Even worse, in some of our southern states like Mississippi and Alabama, more than 80% of the youth sentenced to life are black. Though it is uncomfortable for some people to talk about race, and the inequalities associated with it, we have to talk about this stuff. We especially have to talk about it when it is affecting the children of our country so greatly. -psych001
ReplyDelete