fairsentencingforyouth.org

Hear Murder Victim Family Members Who Support Ending JLWOP

ecalvin — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:27:40 +0000

The line to get into the Supreme Court and hear arguments was long. People stood in it all night, including many murder victim family members who support an end to the use of life without parole for youth. Hear an NPR story interviewing some of these supporters. National Public Radio piece

US Supreme Court Hears Argument

ecalvin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:04:00 +0000

On March 20, 2012, the US Supreme Court heard the cases of two14-year-old boys sentenced to life without parole. The court will decided the constitutionality of the sentence as applied to youth. A Supreme Court blog providing a detailed preliminary analysis here: http://www.scotusblog.com/2012/03/argument-recap-compromise-on-youth-sentences/#more-141094

Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta: JLWOP is Wrong

ecalvin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:50:59 +0000

Civil rights leader Dolores Huerta urges the California State Assembly to pass SB 9. ” I urge every Assemblymember to vote with their heart and support this common sense legislation,” said Huerta. “Sentencing children to die in prison is wrong and inhumane, and runs counter to everything we know about a child’s brain development.”. http://bit.ly/w2Noaq

New Human Rights Watch Report Condemns California’s Use of JLWOP

ecalvin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:58:15 +0000

300+ California youth face life without parole. Which youth get life in prison with no parole and which don’t? New report shows capriciousness of California’s laws. Read it here: http://bit.ly/y8h8I5

Sign the petition: Tell CA Leaders: Please Pass SB 9!

ecalvin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:59 +0000

Add your name! California leaders need to know you support fair sentencing for youth. Sign and pass it on to others!

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As teens, these men could have been sentenced to life without parole. Instead, they got a second chance.

ecalvin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:47:19 +0000

“The best thing I can do now to make up for what I have done, especially to my victim…is to give back to the community.” What does second chance mean? Listen to four men, now in their late 30s and 40s, describe how they were convicted of murder as teens and could have faced life without parole sentences. Instead, they each got a parole-eligible sentence. They spent a long time in prison, earned parole, and now are out and helping their communities. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbdFmj4oQtE Watch this short, powerful video and pass it on! Then, please email or call your Assembly Member and ask him or her to watch them and vote yes for SB 9. Go to the “Take Action” page on this website to learn how.

Victims Speak in Support of SB 9

ecalvin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:19:01 +0000

Four murder victim family members talk about the loved ones they lost, and why they believe life without parole is wrong for youth: Watch this short, powerful video and pass it on! Then, please email or call your Assembly Member and ask him or her to watch them and vote yes for SB 9. Go to the “Take Action” page on this websiet to learn how. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXbcC4P8a9M

US Supreme Court to Consider Juvenile LWOP Cases!

ecalvin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:25:44 +0000

For the third time in recent years, the Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider putting a limit on the severity of punishment for youths who commit serious crimes before they are 18 years old. Two youths who were 14-year-olds at the time of their crimes — one in Alabama, the other in Arkansas — have asked the Justices to rule that it is unconstitutional to impose on a minor a sentence of life in prison without a chance for parole in a murder case. In one of the cases, there is an added claim that such a sentence may not be imposed if the youth did not personally kill the victim or intend that someone be killed. From SCOTUS Blog, 11/7/11, retrieved 11/8/11 to read more go to: http://www.scotusblog.com/2011/11/new-review-on-youths-punishment/

SB 9 Just One Vote Shy of Passing! New Vote in 2012.

ecalvin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:49:08 +0000

In August 25th, the California State Assembly gave 40 votes to SB 9, one short for passage, but reconsideration was granted and the bill will be get a second chance in the new year. Let your representatives know what you think of their vote! Thank those who voted yes, and tell those who abstained or voted no that they should support this important legislation.

Murder Victim Family Members and Families of Youth Sentenced to LWOP Join Together

ecalvin — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:46:17 +0000

On August 17th, murder victim family members and family members of youth sentenced to LWOP joined together with students and others at the Capitol in support of SB 9. Groups met with legislators and staff and told their personal stories, explaining why theysupport fair sentencing for youth.