Abstract
In the 2010 case of Graham v. Florida, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of life sentences without parole for juvenile offenders convicted of crimes other than murder. Terrance Graham, the juvenile in question, had received this sentence for a home invasion robbery. The Court ruled that such sentences violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Their reasoning focused on the fact that juveniles are less culpable than adults due to their ongoing development. The Court argued that a life sentence without parole denies them the opportunity to demonstrate maturity and reform, which is a harsh punishment for non-homicide offenses. This decision offered a chance of parole to Terrance Graham and other juveniles facing similar sentences.
The Court ruled in Graham v. Florida that life sentences without the possibility of parole for juvenile offenders accused of crimes other than murder violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Their reasoning focused on the fact that juveniles are less culpable than adults due to their ongoing development. The Court argued that a life sentence without parole denies them the opportunity to demonstrate maturity and reform, which is a harsh punishment for non-homicide offenses. This decision offered a chance of parole to Terrance Graham and other juveniles facing similar sentences.