The United States has a juvenile crime problem that far exceeds the juvenile crime problems of other Western countries. Over the years, state legislatures have responded to this increase in the volume and severity of juvenile crime by providing for sentences that effectively punish offenders, incapacitate them, and deter serious offenses. They have determined by an overwhelming majority that fulfilling their duty to protect their citizens requires making available life-without-parole sentences for juvenile offenders. The sentence stands up to constitutional scrutiny. All state supreme courts and federal courts that have …
On November 9th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences. In preparation for oral arguments, JLWOP: Faces & Cases will be an on-going series on The Foundry that will tell real stories about juvenile offenders who are currently serving LWOP sentences. Defendant: Martize M. Smolley (16) Victims: Kelly Houser, Amy Allen Crimes: Two counts, felony first degree murder & other charges Crime date: June 14, 2004 in Peoria, Illinois Summary Martize Smolley shot and killed a mother and daughter …
