Sentencing Project LWOP Bill Hearing Today

LEGISLATIVE HEARING JUNE 9 ON "JUVENILE JUSTICE ACCOUNTABILITY AND IMPROVEMENT ACT"  Today the U.S. House of Representative's Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security will convene a hearing at 3:00 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2141, to listen to testimony about sentences of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP). Marc Mauer, Executive Director of The Sentencing Project, is included on the panel of witnesses and will urge Congress to eliminate sentences of JLWOP in the states and the federal system.
"The Sentencing Project opposes sentences of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) because they declare that young people are beyond reform. All other nations have devised strategies to hold youth accountable, promote public safety, and prioritize rehabilitation to limit recidivism without resorting to this extreme punishment," states Mauer in his written testimony. "We support legislation that acknowledges the critical differences between youth and adults and imposes age-appropriate sentences that protect public safety and gives a second chance to young people." The following bill will be considered: H.R. 2289, the "Juvenile Justice and Accountability Improvement Act of 2009."