News Release: Statement on Michigan Supreme Court Juvenile Life Without Parole Decision

(Lansing, Mich.)—Michigan Catholic Conference released the following statement after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miller vs. Alabama, which found the mandatory juvenile life without parole sentence unconstitutional, does not apply retroactively:

“This decision is disappointing. We call upon the Legislature to pass a measure that will allow for juveniles sentenced to a life term before the Miller decision to have the opportunity for a parole hearing at some point during their sentence. Our position is driven by the need to balance compassion and protection for victims with the opportunity for offenders to rehabilitate their lives, which should be the goal of the corrections system. Research data and legal opinions have proven there are significant cognitive development differences between juveniles and adults, which is what Miller clearly stated.”

Editor’s Note: Click here for more information about the Catholic position regarding Juvenile Life Without Parole.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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