State v. Comer
SummaryOriginal

Summary

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that a mandatory 30-year sentence without parole for juvenile murderers is unconstitutional. Juvenile offenders can now request a review of their sentence after 20 years.

2022 | State Juristiction

State v. Comer

Keywords New Jersey Supreme Court; mandatory minimum sentence; unconstitutional; rehabilitation; parole ineligibility; sentence review; 20 years; juvenile offenders; maturity

Abstract

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the state's mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole for juvenile murderers is unconstitutional. The court found that this sentence doesn't allow young people to show they've matured or been rehabilitated. As a result, juvenile offenders sentenced under this statute can now request a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. At these hearings, they can demonstrate rehabilitation and may receive a shorter period of parole ineligibility.

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Abstract

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the state's mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole for juvenile murderers is unconstitutional. The court found that this sentence doesn't allow young people to show they've matured or been rehabilitated. As a result, juvenile offenders sentenced under this statute can now request a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. At these hearings, they can demonstrate rehabilitation and may receive a shorter period of parole ineligibility.

Summary

In 2022, the New Jersey Supreme Court declared the state's mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole for juvenile murderers unconstitutional. The court's reasoning centered on the fact that such a sentence prevents young offenders from demonstrating maturity and rehabilitation. Consequently, individuals sentenced under this statute are now eligible to petition for a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. These hearings provide an opportunity for the offenders to showcase their rehabilitation and potentially receive a reduced period of parole ineligibility.

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Abstract

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the state's mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole for juvenile murderers is unconstitutional. The court found that this sentence doesn't allow young people to show they've matured or been rehabilitated. As a result, juvenile offenders sentenced under this statute can now request a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. At these hearings, they can demonstrate rehabilitation and may receive a shorter period of parole ineligibility.

Summary

In 2022, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that the state's mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole for juvenile murderers is unconstitutional. The court determined that this sentence fails to recognize the potential for rehabilitation and growth in young people. Consequently, juvenile offenders sentenced under this statute can now request a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. During these hearings, they have the opportunity to demonstrate their rehabilitation and potentially receive a shorter period of parole ineligibility.

Open Case as PDF

Abstract

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the state's mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole for juvenile murderers is unconstitutional. The court found that this sentence doesn't allow young people to show they've matured or been rehabilitated. As a result, juvenile offenders sentenced under this statute can now request a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. At these hearings, they can demonstrate rehabilitation and may receive a shorter period of parole ineligibility.

Summary

In 2022, the New Jersey Supreme Court declared that the state's mandatory 30-year sentence without parole for young people convicted of murder was unconstitutional. The court determined that this sentence doesn't give young offenders a chance to prove they've grown and changed. Now, juveniles who were sentenced under this law can ask for a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. During these hearings, they can show how they've been rehabilitated and might be eligible for parole sooner.

Open Case as PDF

Abstract

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the state's mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison without parole for juvenile murderers is unconstitutional. The court found that this sentence doesn't allow young people to show they've matured or been rehabilitated. As a result, juvenile offenders sentenced under this statute can now request a review of their sentence after serving 20 years. At these hearings, they can demonstrate rehabilitation and may receive a shorter period of parole ineligibility.

Summary

The highest court in New Jersey said that making young people serve at least 30 years in prison without the chance of getting out is unfair. The court said this doesn't give young people a chance to show they've changed or become better people. So, people who were sentenced under this old rule can now ask to have their sentences looked at again after serving 20 years. At these meetings, they can show how they've changed and might get a shorter time before they're allowed to leave prison.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

State v. Comer, 266 A 3d 374 (2022)

Highlights