Michigan Justice Advocacy strongly supports Michigan lawmakers who take bold steps such as Representatives O’Neal, Meerman, LaGrand and Kahle. In numerous ways we codify special protection for juveniles into our state and national laws. These protections recognize that there are differences between young, immature ways of thinking and the wisdom which comes with age which plainly require we treat youth more carefully.
This recognition should apply equally to young individuals who run afoul of the law, even in the most egregious of ways. Life sentences close the door on hope for rehabilitation and must be challenged and changed. Michigan Justice Advocacy stands with lawmakers who are willing to tackle the long-standing “tough on crime” policies which are proving ineffective after decades. Policies which provide for a second look after the justice system renders judgment and positive incentives for those who demonstrate they have learned from past mistakes are an essential component of a healthy legal system which not only serves to punish but also to restore. Michigan is just one of 16 states that allow for JLWOP and has individuals serving life without parole who were sentenced as minors.
The proposed bills, HB XXX, would eliminate JLWOP, provide a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 60 years, and allow for parole review after 10 years. In addition, the review process would require consideration of the juvenile’s age and immaturity, family home environment, and circumstances of the offense — including the role the juvenile had in the offense and any influence of peer pressure. These pieces of legislation are duplicates of bills introduced to the Michigan State Senate by Senator Irwin, MacDonald, Santana, VanderWall, Hollier, Bullock, Wojno, Chang, Polehanki, Bayer, Moss, & Brinks
“The ‘Tough on Crime’ policies of the 1990s failed, leading to mass incarceration and a school-to-prison pipeline. Now that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that our harsh laws amount to cruel and unusual punishment, Michigan law needs to recognize that juvenile offenders deserve a chance at rehabilitation,” Sen. Irwin said. “We shouldn’t turn our backs on juvenile offenders and throw away the key. Instead, we should ensure that Michigan’s juvenile justice system provides a chance for rehabilitation, reintegration, and redemption.”
