The bill was written by Democratic Senator Leland Yee, who's
also a child psychologist. He says young people's brains are
still developing and some deserve a chance at rehabilitation and
release. Under the measure, after 15 years, courts could
review the cases of inmates serving life without parole sentences
--- if the offense was committed before age 18. The offender could
end up with a shortened sentence of 25 years if he or she shows
remorse and efforts at rehabilitation. The bill faces fierce
opposition from the California District Attorneys Association and
victims' rights groups. They claim the retroactive measure is
unfair to victims' families. They also note that other paths
to release -such as commutation - already exist.
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Bill Would Give Some Juveniles Sentenced To Life A Chance At Release
Photo by advencap/Flickr
A bill intended to give some California minors serving life sentences a chance at release has been approved by a legislative committee.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011