July 20, 2011 - Psychiatric News Alert

A federal judge is allowing an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit to proceed that challenges Michigan’s life-without-parole sentence for individuals who committed crimes while juveniles. The ACLU and the ACLU of Michigan believe that Michigan’s sentencing practice constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and violates constitutional rights. Under Michigan law, children as young as 14 who are charged with certain felonies can be tried as adults and, if convicted of a homicide offense, sentenced to life without parole. Continue reading...