In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled (5 to 4) that sentencing juveniles to life without the possibility of parole in adult court was unconstitutional when it pertained to non-homicide crimes. It might surprise people to know that the number of juveniles convicted of non-homicide crimes and sentenced to life without parole is high. In 2010, out of 11 states, 129 juveniles were serving life without parole sentences for non-homicide crimes.
77 of these juveniles are and were in the state of Florida.
"'Some crimes are so heinous, and some juvenile offenders so highly culpable, that a sentence of life without parole may be entirely justified under the Constitution,' [Chief Justice John]
Roberts wrote."
It is important to note that the Supreme Court's ruling does not stop courts from sentencing children and teens to life in prison; it merely prevents courts from doing so without any possibility of parole or release.
