Does a no-parole life sentence for a juvenile murderer violate the Eighth Amendment?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Vinson, B238043 (Cal. App. 2013):

sentence on a minor was cruel and unusual punishment 'unless he has committed a homicide.' (Id. at p. ___ [130 S.Ct. at p. 2043] (dis. opn. of Thomas, J.).) Taken together, these statements strongly suggest that to the United States Supreme Court, a no-parole life sentence for juvenile murderers does not violate the Eighth Amendment['s proscription against cruel and unusual punishment]. [Citation.]" (People v. Murray, supra, 203 Cal.App.4th at pp. 283-284, fn. omitted.)

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