Life Without Parole Is Inappropriate for Juveniles
In the Supreme Court case Miller v. Alabama (2012), the opinion of the court states:
Mandatory life without parole for a juvenile precludes consideration of his chronological age and its landmark features—among them, immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to appreciate risks and consequences.
Take a position. Do you believe that life without parole is an appropriate sentence for a juvenile?
First, title your post either "Life Without Parole Is Appropriate for Juveniles" or "Life Without Parole Is Inappropriate for Juveniles."
Then, using the information gained in this module and the resources noted above, make your case. In what ways are juveniles culpable? Is it possible for youth to be irreparably corrupt? What developmental evidence should be taken into consideration, if any? Be sure to build your case with factual resources.
In your response to your peers, consider how well they justified their position, making use of available resources. Consider the following questions in your response posts:
Did they support their position convincingly using appropriate resources?
Which of their points make the most sense to you, even if you made your case for the opposing viewpoint?
Reference
Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S. 460 (2012). Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/cert/10-9646
To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.
Life Without Parole Is Inappropriate for Juveniles
When it comes to sentencing juveniles, life without parole is inappropriate and fails to consider the unique characteristics and circumstances of young offenders. In the landmark case Miller v. Alabama (2012), the Supreme Court recognized that juveniles possess developmental differences that make them less culpable for their actions. This decision highlighted the importance of considering juveniles' chronological age and its landmark features, such as immaturity, impetuosity, and their limited ability to appreciate risks and consequences.
First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that juveniles are still in the process of developing physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Their brains are not fully matured, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and weighing long-term consequences. Numerous scientific studies have shown that adolescents are more susceptible to peer influence, prone to impulsive behavior, and have difficulty considering the long-term consequences of their actions. These developmental factors significantly reduce their culpability compared to adults and call for a different approach in the criminal justice system.
Moreover, life without parole denies juveniles the opportunity for rehabilitation and redemption. Unlike adults, juveniles have a greater potential for change due to their ongoing development. The purpose of the juvenile justice system is not only punishment but also rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By sentencing juveniles to life without parole, we effectively foreclose any chance of them maturing, learning from their mistakes, and becoming productive members of society. It is crucial to provide young offenders with the opportunity for rehabilitation and the possibility of a second chance.
Furthermore, international standards and practices support the view that life without parole is inappropriate for juveniles. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasizes the need to treat children in conflict with the law in a manner that promotes their reintegration into society and takes into account their age and individual circumstances. Many countries have abolished life without parole for juveniles or impose strict limits on its use due to recognition of the unique characteristics of young offenders.
In conclusion, life without parole is an inappropriate sentence for juveniles. The developmental differences between juveniles and adults, such as immaturity and limited decision-making capacity, call for a more nuanced approach in the criminal justice system. Sentencing juveniles to life without parole denies them the opportunity for rehabilitation and disregards international standards that prioritize reintegration and consideration of age. Instead, we should focus on providing avenues for rehabilitation, education, and support to help young offenders mature and reintegrate into society successfully.