It's a Good Day to Be a Juvenile

Once again, the Supreme Court has weighed in with a decision that reminds us that children are not adults and should be not be treated as such.


A 5-4 majority ruled today that a life without parole (LWOP) sentence violates the 8th Amendment of the Constitution when it is given to a juvenile who didn’t commit murder. The 8th Amendment, which bans the government from handing out “cruel and unusual” punishments, hasn’t had a whole lot of bite over the years, outside the death penalty context. Maybe the Court’s decision is a sign that times are changing.

The case is Graham v. Florida. You can read the Washington Post’s write-up on the decision here. And if you are feeling extra ambitious, you can read the Court’s opinion here.