Source: New York Times
In order to combat the growing number of inmates within prisons, lawmakers are seeking to greatly reduce sentence times for juvenile delinquents.
Following a law that bans teenagers from receiving the death penalty before turning 18, juveniles are barred from a life without parole sentence in all cases except those involving homicide.
Lawmakers argue that harsher sentences for youth fail to account for their impulsive and immature natures that often becomes less prominent in adulthood.
However, some states, including Louisiana and Michigan, are attempting to reverse laws that would prohibit teenagers from receiving paroles for both violent and nonviolent crimes.
Social justice advocates are working to provide support for juveniles who are working to rehabilitate from their pasts.
Read Full Story: New York Times