distinguishes between youthful mistakes and deliberate criminal intent.Experts and child development specialists emphasize that children’s brains, especially in areas linked to impulse control and decision-making, are still developing. Because of this, they argue, young offenders deserve opportunities for rehabilitation rather than permanent punishment. Landmark Supreme Court decisions in 2012 and 2016 recognized this, ruling that mandatory life sentences for juveniles were unconstitutional and that such rulings should apply retroactively. Yet, despite these legal victories, hundreds of cases remain unresolved, leaving many minors behind bars without review.
He was in his cell, waiting to be executed, and he asked as a last…See more
