Ruled that mandatory LWOP sentence under aggravated murder statute is unconstitutional as applied to 19– and 20-year old defendants.
A handful of state supreme courts have announced broader sentencing protections for young people than available under the federal Constitution.
By holding that life without parole sentences are unconstitutional for anyone under 21, the Massachusetts high court goes far above the federal floor.
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A handful of state supreme courts have announced broader sentencing protections for young people than available under the federal Constitution.
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By holding that life without parole sentences are unconstitutional for anyone under 21, the Massachusetts high court goes far above the federal floor.