The Importance Of Sentencing Children To Life In Prisons

The Eighth Amendment states that punishments should be fair and cannot be cruel. In the summer of 2012, Supreme Court ruled that juveniles who have committed murder cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole because of violation of the Eighth Amendment. However, young adults or juveniles should be given life without parole when committing a serious crime. If teens can commit crimes knowing there will be consequences then they should be prepared to face them. Many juveniles will fight against receiving jail time by saying, they are depressed, or have not reached a full level of maturation. Others, will play the victim by arguing that they felt their life was in danger and committed the crime out of self defense. Juveniles also argue, that they are unaware of the consequences of their actions. Whatever the reasons for a juvenile committing a heinous crime, they are still responsible. Age and immaturity should not be reason why a juvenile should not be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. I believe that juveniles should be held responsible for their action and thus, be sentenced to life in prison.

In the article, “Why Are We Sentencing Children To Life In Prison Without Parole?”, Vincent M. Southerland and Jody Kent Lavy write “Even though they have mental disorders teens/juveniles should still pay the same consequences” (Southerland). Juveniles committing adult crimes must be given adult consequences. Their mental disabilities are no excuse for taking someone's life or commuting any other heinous crimes. If they have serious mental disorders they should not be let alone at any time because of the danger they may cause to society. Also, if depression is a serious issue in a juvenile’s life they should seek help rather than taking someone’s