The Supreme Court ruled today that juveniles convicted of murder cannot be sentenced to life without possibility of parole. Speaking for herself and Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor Justice Elena Kagan wrote that “(We) hold that mandatory life without parole for those under the age of 18 at the time of their crimes violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on 'cruel and unusual punishment.” The decision was 5 – 4, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting
The New York Times reports Justice Alito that Justice Alito read aloud his dissent, stating, "Even a 17 ½ year-old who sets off a bomb in crowded mall or guns down a dozen students and teachers is a 'child' and must be given a chance to persuade a judge to permit his release into society. Adding, "Nothing in the Constitution supports this arrogation of legislative authority." click here to go to website
The full decision can be found by clicking on the link below.
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