Held that life without parole sentences are unconstitutional as applied to emerging adults (ages 18–20)
At oral arguments over the constitutionality of mandatory life-without-parole sentences for young adults, several justices suggested the right to be free from “cruel or unusual” punishments might be fundamental.
The court has perhaps never been friendlier to criminal justice reform.
A Massachusetts state court was the first to uphold the right to same-sex marriage on constitutional grounds.
A handful of state supreme courts have announced broader sentencing protections for young people than available under the federal Constitution.
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