[[link removed]]
John,
Your support is creating second chances.
Last week, Michigan’s Supreme Court held [[link removed]] that mandatorily sentencing 19- and 20-year-old emerging adults to life without parole (LWOP) is unconstitutionally harsh and disproportionate punishment under the Michigan Constitution. Earlier this month, the court also held [[link removed]] that 18 year olds serving mandatory LWOP sentences were entitled to an opportunity to be resentenced. These rulings will give people currently serving such sentences in Michigan a second chance, as well as change sentencing practices in future cases.
The Sentencing Project joined the Juvenile Law Center and the Michigan ACLU to support this critical progress in youth justice by filing amicus briefs in three cases: People v. Poole [[link removed]] , People v. Czarnecki [[link removed]] , and People v. Taylor [[link removed]] . Last week’s decision also cited research [[link removed]] from The Sentencing Project that illustrates that people grow out of crime as they age, further reinforcing the need for sentencing reform that reflects the human capacity for growth.
A wealth of brain science research makes clear that emerging adults are akin to teenagers under 18 – more impulsive, more easily influenced by peers, and also capable of remarkable growth and rehabilitation. Young people are especially deserving of second chances and individualized sentencing.
This decision is part of a broader movement recognizing that young people especially deserve second chances. Michigan joins Washington State in banning mandatory LWOP sentences for people under age 21, and the Massachusetts Supreme Court has categorically banned LWOP sentences for people under 21.
We still have work to do. In too many states, emerging adults remain subject to mandatory LWOP sentences for certain crimes. Your support makes our continued fight possible.
Thank you for supporting second chances!
[[link removed]] Liz Komar
Sentencing Reform Counsel
Email: [email protected]
DONATE [[link removed]]
As a nonprofit organization, The Sentencing Project relies on the generosity of our community to power our work. The research, advocacy, and public education we contribute to the movement to end mass incarceration are only possible with your support. Every dollar makes a difference.
[link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]]
www.sentencingproject.org [[link removed]] The Sentencing Project
1705 DeSales St. NW
8th Fl
Washington, DC 20036
United States
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .