Juvenile Justice: A Life Sentence Too Young

This chapter narrates the story of a young man sentenced to life in prison for a tragic burglary incident, illuminating the grave realities of the American judicial system for juveniles. It examines the historical context of harsher sentencing for youth offenders, driven by 1990s criminological theories, and discusses recent legal reforms aimed at recognizing the lesser culpability of adolescents. Advocating for a humane approach, the chapter underscores the urgent need for reformation in juvenile justice policies to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.