FreeJonny1
For
Justice
To deny people their human rights is to challenge
their very humanity. Nelson Mandela
their very humanity. Nelson Mandela
This week Colorado has introduced new legislation that would give judges sentencing options in dealing with juveniles who have been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Currently there are 48 juveniles serving life without parole which has been ruled unconstitutional by the highest court of this nation. The new sentencing options give judges discretion in sentencing after considering the facts of a case and the child standing before them. Before this, judges were afforded no opportunity in discretionary sentencing and they were not given any background or history concerning the juvenile accused of the crime. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the factors inherent to juveniles must be considered when deciding the punishment and sentence. These considerations include the level of maturity, the home environment, peer pressure and influence, level of participation, any history of criminal behavior and so on. In other words the court must come to know, at least in part, who is standing before them.
We are asking all advocates and supporters to raise your voice with ours and help Colorado move forward in juvenile justice reform. Here is a link to the bill. Please add your name to this Colorado ACLU petition in support of the Colorado Bill and the end to juvenile life without the possibility of parole for those already serving this unjust sentence. CLICK HERE TO SIGN WITH US!
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