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Reaction Paper
A popular question from individuals’ regarding the justice system is whether or not it
violates the Eighth Amendment if a judge sentences a juvenile to life in prison without parole.
The article, “Does Sentencing a Juvenile to Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole
Constitute Cruel and Unusual Punishment?” written by Thomas Hickey in 2021, delves into two
sides of the issue regarding the court cases such as Miller v. Alabama. The Eighth Amendment
ensures that “tortures and other barbarous methods of punishment” are not given (Hickey, 2021).
Punishment is also unconstitutional if it causes unnecessary pain, is socially unacceptable, is
unequal to the crime, and if it is racially motivated.
There were two sides viewed in this article, the side supporting that it violates the Eighth
Amendment and the opposing. Justice Elena Kagan believes it violates the Eighth Amendment,
but Chief Justice John Roberts disagrees (Hickey, 2021). In this article, the author writes about
different cases regarding crimes committed by juveniles and whether or not life in prison without
parole violates the Eight Amendment. Those who believe it violates the Eight Amendment state,
“An offender’s age is relevant to the Eighth Amendment, and so criminal procedure laws that fail
to take defendants’ youthfulness into account at all would be flawed” (Hickey, 2021). In the case,
Jackson did not shoot anyone but got sentenced to life without parole; many believe his sentence
was unfair. Individuals who believe it does not violate the Eight Amendment state, “Neither the
text of the Constitution nor our precedent prohibits legislatures from requiring that juvenile
murderers be sentenced to life without parole” (Hickey, 2021). They also believe the central fact
supporting it seems to be because of the age difference, juvenile sentencing should differ from
adults (Hickey, 2021).
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The article discusses current issues happening in the world today. More juveniles are
committing crimes ranging from petty theft to homicide. Minors are not immune from
committing a crime; in fact, many adults who are criminals started with juvenile crimes and grew
up continuing to commit crimes. Poor parenting is a prime factor that influences juvenile
delinquency, as well as having criminal parents or parents that enable poor behaviors by not
working or disciplining properly (Bonta & Andrews, 2016). In addition, delinquent associations
increase an individual’s knowledge of criminal behavior and lead to more crime. In today’s day
and age, juveniles commit crimes and receive sentences to life in prison without parole for
crimes such as manslaughter or murder. It is relevant because often, juveniles are sentenced to
life without parole unjustly or are not sentenced to life without parole when they should be.
There is no consistency between the cases, leading to unjust sentencing. In the past,
rehabilitation was the goal, but due to repeating offenders and other issues, it fell away. Because
of this, longer sentences took their place. Bringing back the idea of rehabilitation may aid in
reducing crime and ensuring criminals do not go back to their old behavior; so juvenile criminals
do not grow up to be adult criminals.
The primary emotion that came to mind while reading this article was unsurprised.
Growing up hearing stories of cases where the sentencing did not match the crime enables this.
Sometimes, criminals who deserve a life sentence without parole do not get it. I remember
hearing a story about a man getting three months in jail for rape, but another man getting
sentenced to life because of marijuana possession. It seemed to make no sense, and sadly, at
times, hearing these stories of cases leads to being unsurprised. In addition, anger and sadness
are other emotions that come to mind. In the case of Miller v. Alabama, it made no sense why
Jackson got life in prison when he did not pull the trigger or show evidence of a plan to kill.
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Often, it seems as if the justice system is inconsistent in its sentencing, leading to many angry
and hurt individuals.
As a Christian, identity in Christ plays a crucial role in the emotions felt after reading the
article. Sin is everywhere, and no one is perfect, so knowing this, one should be motivated to go
out and spread the Gospel and bring hope to the broken world (New International Version, 2011,
Matthew 28:19-20). It is not sensible to expect a broken world to do right and follow Christ, so
as Christians, it is crucial to share the Gospel whenever possible. God calls Christians to love one
another, and what breaks His heart should break His follower’s hearts too. Psalm 55:22 says,
“Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken”
(New International Version, 2011). God takes any burden, such as anger or sadness, because He
alone can help.
This article is very insightful and educational, and I would recommend this article to
others. This article explains why some people believe it is justified or unjustified for juveniles to
receive a life sentence without parole. It is important to hear both sides of the issue so that each
person forms their viewpoint on the issue, and this article supplies that. Crime is everywhere,
unfortunately, so it is crucial to be aware of what is happening.
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References
Bonta, J., & Andrews, D. (2016). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct (6th Edition). Taylor &
Francis. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781317387404
Hickey, T. (Ed). (2021). Psychology of Criminal Behavior. McGraw-Hill.
New International Version. (2011). BibleGateway.com. http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/
New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist
