Why does America sentence teenagers to life without parole?
The USA is the only country on earth which sentences juveniles to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Why?
Isn’t it better for society that these people come out after serving a sentence of say no more than 20 years at the maximum.
They will at least have had time to reflect on their misdemeanors and with the proper education and mentoring would be good citizens in whatever is their niche in life.
Society will be better off with many of these inmates contributing to their communities.
In June 2012 the U.S Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole are against the constitution and judges must be allowed to take a juvenile’s age in account (and other relevant circumstances) when sentencing.
What circumstances are there to consider?
Here is a couple for a start.
1. Were there adults involved in the crime and what influence did they have over the youngest one in the crime?
2. Were they taken advantage of by others?
Is it right for America to sentence teenagers to life without the possibility of parole?
If it is right to sentence teenagers to life without the possibility of parole then countries which have a release date for teenagers must be in the wrong.(and America is right)
History has taught us that governments do have poor laws which disadvantage its citizens. Issues such as slavery and racial segregation were considered normal and right by governments until a long campaign by those who fought to change these injustices finally succeeded.
Just because it is legal, does not make it right.
History has told us this.
Putting things right seems to involve years of struggle and campaigning as the likes of Nelson Mandela, David Livingstone have discovered and as Greta Thunberg will find out.
There is a line between justice for the victims and taking revenge against the offenders and I believe the prosecutors in many cases have taken the latter stance; sadly it is a representation of how the community feels at the time.
Emotions run high during high profile murder cases but the courts must rise above all of that.
It all boils down to doing the right thing. It is hate which causes people to commit horrendous crimes against other human beings and it is that very same spirit which demands that they being locked up for life.
It is no secret that the American justice system is severe with life without parole sentences for minors but is this right? I don’t think so! History has taught us that countries have laws which are wrong and this article points this out. Check out my thoughts on http://www.freejennifer.blogspot.com
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_Alan_Stewart/2287449
