LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- So-called “juvenile lifers” in Michigan would not get a chance at parole under a bill approved Tuesday by the state House. That’s unless the Michigan Supreme Court or the U.S. Supreme Court rule otherwise.
Senate Bill 319 would bring Michigan into compliance with a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. It said automatically sentencing minors to life in prison without the possibility of parole is cruel and unusual. But it did not say whether the ruling applied to those already serving those sentences.
“Where’s the humanity or justice in a legislature giving the opportunity for parole to one juvenile but not the other?” asked Rep. Rudy Hobbs, D-Southfield, during debate over the bill on the House floor. “Today, these young people and their advocates are asking us for the opportunity at redemption. And I support this opportunity for all juveniles.”
Supporters of the bill, including Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, say giving juvenile lifers a chance at resentencing would be too painful for victims’ families.