CJ 207 6-1 Discussion: Make Your Case
In the Supreme Court case (2012), the opinion of the court states:Miller v. Alabama
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.
Take a position. Do you believe that life without parole is an appropriate sentence for a
juvenile?
“Life Without Parole Appropriate for Juveniles”Is
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.
Juveniles tend to be described as less culpable than adults regarding legal culpability due to why
adolescents commit crimes, their ability to reform due to ever changing psychological
development, and the adverse effects adult-type punishment can have on young people. Brain is
not fully developed until age 25. Public safety to me personally is more important than whether
or not a juvenile can be rehabilitated after committing a horrendous crime. It is not a gamble I
would be willing to take, as nobody knows if they will commit the same kind of crime upon
release.
Case of Paris Bennett
Paris Bennett was 13 years old when he brutally killed his 4-year-old sister after raping her. Was
sentenced to 40 years and has been in jail since 2007 when he was arrested. Paris apparently
wanted to harm his sister to punish his mother. Stabbed his sister 17 times only to spite his
mother. Called police and confessed to the crime. Told his mother that he had consumed
countless hours of violent, pornographic content, which had driven him to sexually assault his
sister. Decided to kill her after, to hide the sexual abuse. Bennett’s mom admits that son intended
to kill her as well, but was deterred by how difficult it was to kill a person. Did not kill his sister
in a moment of impulse, he had carefully crafted a scheme that would bring pain and misery to
his mother. During one visit to the prison, Bennett attempted to choke her to death before
deciding against it and letting her go. Continues to claim that he is not a mentally ill person or an
