The Rest of Their Lives
Life without Parole for Child Offenders in the United States

Acknowledgements

I. Summary

II. Recommendations

To the President of the United States
To the United States Congress
To the Attorney General of the United States
To United States Attorneys
To State and Federal Judges
To State Governors
To State Legislators
To State Prosecutors
To State Criminal and Juvenile Court Judges
To Defense Attorneys
To State and Federal Officials Who Fund and Administer Corrections Programs

Case Study: Peter A.

III. Background: Youth on Trial

Juvenile Justice Trends in the United States
Adult Trial of Children

Case Study: Samantha L.

IV. Sentencing of Youth to Life without Parole

Age, Crime, and Gender

Case Study: Stacey T.

Historical Trends in Sentencing to Life without Parole
State Variation in the Use of Life without Parole
Race

Case Study: Emily F.

V. The Difference between Youth and Adults

The Difference According to Psychology
The Difference According to Neuroscience

Case Study: Alexis V.

VI. Life without Parole in Adult Prison

Adjusting to Life in Adult Prison
The Reality of the Sentence

Case Study: Dean F

Fear and Anger
Isolation, Loneliness, and Hopelessness
Incarceration alongside Adults
Access to Education and Vocational Programs

Case Study: Trey J.

Violence
Assault
Sexual Abuse and Rape
Potential for Rehabilitation

Case Study: Timothy C.

VII. Life without Parole under U.S. Law

State and Federal Law
Mandatory Sentences

Case Study: Jose A.

VIII. Just Sentences for Youth: International Human Rights Law

International Human Rights Law

Case Study: Troy L

Practices of Other Countries

Case Study: Kevin C.

IX. Conclusion: Life without Parole and the Purposes of Criminal Punishment

Appendix A: Note on Research Methods

Appendix B: Note on Statistical Methods

Appendix C: Sample Letter Soliciting Data from State Correctional Department

Appendix D: State Population Data Table

Appendix E: Letters from Five Youth Offenders Serving Life without Parole Sentences in the United States (32 page pdf file - 4.33 Mb)

October 2005   ISBN: 1564323358

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