Court Strikes Automatic Life Sentences

UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Updated Apr. 21, 2017 4:39PM EDT / Published Jun. 25, 2012 1:23PM EDT

In a 5-4 decision on Monday the Supreme Court struck down automatic life sentences without possibility of parole for juveniles. Mandatory life sentences for persons under the age of 18 constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” in the opinion of the court, Justice Elena Kagan wrote in the majority opinion. Judges could still sentence juvenile convicts to life sentences without parole on an individual basis, but the ruling prohibits state laws that would make such a punishment automatic in murder trials. Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito dissented, along with Chief Justice John Roberts.

Read it at Associated Press

Trump OKs New Conditions for $175 Million Bond in Fraud Case

Trump’s attorneys agreed to five concessions demanded by the state.

Superfan Reveals Intricacies of Taylor Swift’s NYC Home

Tyler Conroy said he even got to use the star’s monochrome, TS embroidered hand towels.

‘Sorry for Having Great T*ts’: Sydney Sweeney Hits Back

Carol Baum had told an audience that Sweeney was overhyped, “isn’t pretty,” and “can’t act.”

Four Germans Arrested For Commemorating Hitler’s Birthday

One was seen giving a stiff-armed Nazi salute outside the home where Adolf Hitler was born.

Papua New Guinea PM Slams Biden’s Bizarre Cannibal Comment

Last week, Biden appeared to imply his uncle was eaten by cannibals after his plane went down over the country during World War II.

Columbia Goes Remote Over Safety Concerns After Gaza Protest

Columbia’s president said the change was intended to deescalate tensions and allow the university to address security concerns.

Jerry Seinfeld Reacts to ‘Curb,’ ‘Seinfeld’ Finale Backlash

“I don’t believe in regret,” the comedian said. “I think it’s arrogant to think you could have done something different.

‘Extremely Dangerous’ Russian Jamming Hit Flights: Report

Thousands of civilian airline flights are suspected of being affected.

Court Strikes Automatic Life Sentences