Rulings: Sex offenders, teen sentences, overseas custody

In a May 17th 2010 article, Rulings: Sex offenders, teen sentences, overseas custody: On Monday the Supreme Court ruled that sentencing some juvenile criminals to life in prison without parole is cruel and unusual punishment, especially when the cases do not involve murder. Six out of the nine judges ruled in one particular case that it was unconstitutional to be sentenced life without parole because of kids young age. Tarrance Graham was sentenced to life without parole for robberies he did while he was sixteen and seventeen. This case was really important because the Supreme Court chooses from thousands of cases to hear and most cases stop at the Court of Appeals.I agree with the Supreme court, especially when the case does not have to do with murders. If it had to do with murders or violent crimes I would have a completely different stance. Although these felons are committing serious crimes in some cases they don't realize what they're doing at such a young age. I don't believe that committing a crime, such as robbery should land you in jail for the rest of your life.

Picture Credit

Posted By: Christina McGee

Supreme Court rules against life without parole for minors!

U.S Supreme Court Building

In this May 17th article by the Associated Press a recent Supreme Court decision is discussed. The Supreme Court just ruled that a minor, that is somebody under the age of 18, may not be given a life sentence without the possibility of parole for a non-homicidal crime. There was also nearly a decision that a minor could not be given a life sentence without parole for any crime, including homicide, but there was a 5-4 decision against that.

This article demonstrates the Supreme Courts exercise of judicial review. By casting their 5 to 4 vote, the court ruled that teenagers may not be locked up for life without chance of parole if they haven't killed anyone. The article is also gives an example of federalism. Although the states denied these offenders any parole, the Supreme Court’s decision overrules the states’ previous decisions and displays the power the national government has over the states.

We disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision. We believe the state judges should have the authority to make their own decision on whether or not the individual (based on the specific case) should be able to get parole.


Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bootbearwdc/37621686/

Grade This Post.


By: Chris D., Jackie K., and Sarah G.