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The Barbershop Buzz on juvenile sentencing

8:00 AM on 11/13/2009

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Is it constitutional for juveniles to serve life sentences without parole for crimes that do not involve murder? Or does it violate the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment?

The United States Supreme Court began hearings this week for two cases involving juveniles: Terrance Graham, who was convicted for armed robbery at age 17, and Joe Sullivan, convicted of rape at age 13. Both are serving life without parole.

This week on the Barbershop Buzz: Are there any circumstances that warrant such sentences? Do adolescents deserve a second chance?