State v. Haag
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Summary

Washington Supreme Court vacated Haag’s 46-year term for a murder committed at 17, ruling the resentencing court wrongly prioritized retribution over youth mitigation and that the term was an unconstitutional de facto life sentence.

2021 | State Juristiction

State v. Haag

Keywords murder; resentencing; retribution; youth mitigation; de facto life sentence
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Summary

The Washington State Supreme Court annulled a 46-year sentence previously imposed upon an individual identified as Haag. This sentence was for a homicide offense committed when Haag was 17 years of age. The Court determined that the lower court, during resentencing proceedings, improperly emphasized punitive measures (retribution) rather than factors related to the defendant's youth (youth mitigation). The judicial body further concluded that the 46-year term effectively constituted a life sentence without parole, thereby violating constitutional protections.

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Summary

The Washington Supreme Court recently overturned a 46-year prison sentence for an individual identified as Haag, who was 17 years old when the murder was committed. The Court determined that the resentencing court improperly placed a greater emphasis on retribution rather than considering factors related to Haag's youth during sentencing. Additionally, the high court concluded that the 46-year term effectively served as an unconstitutional life sentence due to its substantial length.

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Summary

The Washington Supreme Court overturned a 46-year prison sentence given to a person named Haag. This sentence was for a murder Haag committed when only 17 years old. The court determined that the lower court, which imposed the new sentence, improperly focused more on punishment rather than taking into account Haag's youth. The Supreme Court also decided that the 46-year term was essentially a life sentence and violated the constitution.

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Summary

The highest court in Washington State canceled a 46-year prison sentence for a man named Haag. He got this sentence for a murder he committed when he was 17 years old. The court said the judge who decided his new sentence thought too much about punishing him. The judge did not consider enough that Haag was very young at the time. The court also said that a 46-year sentence for a 17-year-old is like a life sentence. This kind of sentence goes against the law.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

198 Wash. 2d 309, 495 P.3d 241 (2021)

Highlights