Mandatory life without parole for a juvenile precludes|Course hero helper

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.

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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 document.

SOLUTION

Life Without Parole Is Inappropriate for Juveniles”

Juveniles should not be sentenced to life without parole because they are still developing cognitively and emotionally, making them less culpable for their actions. The Supreme Court recognized this in the case of Miller v. Alabama, stating that a sentence of mandatory life without parole for a juvenile precludes consideration of their age and its features, including immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to appreciate risks and consequences.

Development evidence supports the idea that the adolescent brain is not fully developed until the age of 25, making them more susceptible to peer pressure and impulsive behavior. Additionally, juveniles have a greater capacity for change and rehabilitation compared to adult offenders.

It is also important to consider the systemic and environmental factors that contribute to juvenile crime. Research has shown that poverty, abuse, and neglect can all contribute to criminal behavior in youth. A life without parole sentence does not take these factors into consideration and does not provide an opportunity for rehabilitation or redemption.

In conclusion, a sentence of life without parole for juveniles is inappropriate because it fails to consider their developmental immaturity and potential for change. Alternative sentences, such as rehabilitative programs and parole opportunities, should be considered in cases involving juvenile offenders.