Juvenile Life without parole

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Juvenile Without Parole

Kevin Bolick

Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice

11/9/2023

Juvenile Without Parole

Introduction

· Did you know that more than 25% of people serving life without parole after being sentenced as children were convicted of felony murder or accomplice liability, meaning they were not the primary perpetrators of the crime, and may not have even been present at the time someone was killed (Bolin, Applegate and Ouellette, 2021).

· This fact epitomizes the urgency of understanding and reforming the juvenile life without parole policy.

· I chose this issue because it underscores the potential lifelong consequences faced by young individuals caught in the criminal justice system.

Describe the issue

· When a minor is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, it is known as juvenile life without parole.

· This policy, which began with a punitive approach, has changed over time, posing moral and legal questions.

· Young offenders' human rights, social ramifications, and intricate legal nuances are all involved in this matter.

Research evidence

· Based on research from human rights organizations, psychologists, and legal scholars, the findings consistently show that sentencing juvenile offenders to life in prison without the possibility of parole has negative consequences (Finholt et al., 2020).

· According to statistics, there are differences in sentencing that disproportionately affect underprivileged communities.

· The need of having a comprehensive grasp of the unique circumstances of each juvenile offender is highlighted by case studies.

Implications

· Juvenile life without parole has effects on communities and families in addition to the individual.

· Recidivism is a cycle that is exacerbated by psychological discomfort, social isolation, and a lack of opportunities for rehabilitation.

· In addition, the cost to society of keeping people behind bars for life raises moral and ethical concerns about the efficacy of this policy (Leigey, & Schartmueller, 2019).

Solutions

· A shift towards restorative justice that prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive measures is one example of an evidence-based solution.

· Recidivism can be stopped by enforcing age-appropriate sentencing guidelines and offering extensive support networks to young offenders (Lichtenberg, 2019).

· Important insights can be gained from international models that demonstrate effective rehabilitation strategies for juvenile offenders.

Conclusion

· In conclusion, immediate attention and reform are required for the juvenile life without parole policy.

· The statistics emphasize the need for a more sympathetic and restorative strategy.

· We can make progress towards a more equitable and efficient juvenile justice system in society by taking into account evidence-based remedies and comprehending the wider ramifications.

References

Bolin, R. M., Applegate, B. K., & Ouellette, H. M. (2021). Americans’ opinions on juvenile justice: Preferred aims, beliefs about juveniles, and blended sentencing. Crime & Delinquency, 67(2), 262-286. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128719890273

Finholt, B., Garrett, B. L., Modjadidi, K., & Renberg, K. M. (2020). Juvenile life without parole in North Carolina. J. Crim. L. & Criminology, 110, 141. 0091-4169/20/11002-0141

Leigey, M. E., & Schartmueller, D. (2019). The fiscal and human costs of life without parole. The Prison Journal, 99(2), 241-262. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885519825496

Lichtenberg, J. (2019). Against life without parole. Washington University Jurisprudence Review, 11(1). https://journals.library.wustl.edu/jurisprudence/article/id/2131/