Life in prison without the possibility of parole is such a harsh sentence especially for children. These children are condemned to die in prison without having room to reform and have a second chance in life. An article titled “Life without Parole? No Child Deserves That” by Jody Kent Lavy, appeared in the Washington Post, A19 on June 27, 2013. The article addresses this issue and points out how these children are denied a chance to live a second life, considering that their actions might have been influenced by factors beyond their control. It happens that the United States of America is the only country in the world that sentences children to life without parole, and this seems to be the harshest punishment children can get. Children, in as much as they may have committed crimes cannot be treated as adults and it is for this reason that Lavy’s sentiments are viable and convincing.
The justice system should not allow children in adult courts because there are very high chances of them being given harsh sentences. It is not a debatable fact that children commit crimes but “they should be held accountable in ways that reflect their status as children and their capacity to change” (Lavy 5) . in such situations Lavy gives the idea of model correctional programs that can be used instead of life without parole.
What is sad is the fact that the amount of harshness given in the sentence varies along racial lines. He cites the 2005 Human Rights Watch report which depicts African American youths as more vulnerable than their white counterparts even when they commit similar crimes. Lavy wishes there could be alternatives to life without parole and that the next harshest available sentences should be administered. Even so, there are a few states that are warming up to the possibility of reviewing their laws especially on matters that are affecting children and life in parole.
The writer seems to address the political elite, the government leadership and the justice system about the harshness of mandatory sentence without parole for children and the implications it has on the future of these children. When policies that lock out these children are not eradicated then the justice system can be termed as unjust and that “it is inconsistent with American values” (Lavy 8). Reform is mandatory in ensuring that America is at the forefront of ensuring justice for all including children. The buck stops at the political elite, the presidency and the attorney general.
Lavy airs his grievances about the unfairness of the American justice system and goes further to offer expert advice on the possibilities of changes that will ensure that children receive fair trial and sentencing. The Miller v. Alabama is a wakeup call for the justice system to reconsider its stand on life without parole when children are the law breakers. The reason for the involvement of these children in crime may have been as a result of exposure to crime in their homes and neighborhoods. It may never have been in their making to be involved if this were not the case. According to the article, it is imperative that the attorney general to move with speed and act accordingly following the grievances aired by the more than 65 organizations that the state reforms the Justice Department policy.
Work Cited
Lavy, Jody, Kent. Life without Parole? No Child Deserves That. The Washington Post. 27th June 2014. PDF File
