State Supreme Courts Asserting Independence on Extreme Sentences

The chapter explores how state Supreme Courts are invoking their state constitutions to challenge excessive sentences beyond Eighth Amendment protections, particularly for young offenders. It showcases instances where state courts diverged from US Supreme Court decisions on extreme sentences, emphasizing their role in protecting individuals from cruel and unusual punishments. The discussion also touches on the differences between state and federal courts in addressing issues such as excessive sentencing and the impact on youth in the criminal justice system.