News Archive

“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.

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

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/

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.

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.

Senate Bill 9 passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 17th. After the hearing, groups of murder victim familty members, family members of youth sentenced to LWOP, students, aand others walked the hallways, urging passage of the bill.  It now heads to the Assembly for a vote of the full Assembly. On the 17th,

Please come to a hearing about SB 9 before the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, August 17th at 9:00a.m.  The hearing will take place in Room 4202. Supporters will meet in front of Room 4074 at 8:45 and walk over to the hearing together. If you are able to be there, please let us know by sending an email to ecalvin@hrw.org with the subject line “8/17/11.”

On July 5th, the California Assembly Public Safety Committee moved the Fair Sentening for Youth Act forward with a vote of confidence that the modest bill is the right thing for California. The bill now must pass in the Appropriations Committee, and then it go to the Assembly floor for a full vote.

Senate Bill 9 has been set for a hearing before the Assembly Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, July 5th at 9:30a.m. at the State Capitol. Call committee members and urge them to vote yes! Click here for a list of seven members to call: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/newcomframeset.asp?committee=57 Join us at the Capitol on the 5th! Send an email to ecalvin@hrw.org if you are coming.

htt