I call for your help for the elimination of life without parole sentences for individuals who committed crimes as juveniles and for the creation of policies that prioritize rehabilitation, psychological evaluations, and fair sentencing.

Across the United States, many individuals who committed crimes before the age of 18 have been sentenced for life prison without the possibility of parole. This sentence means that they will spend the majority of their lives behind bars without any opportunity to demonstrate personal growth, rehabilitation, or readiness to be re-integrated into society. Such punishment fails to recognize the developmental difference between juveniles and adults and ignores the strong scientific evidence showing that young people have greater capacity for change than adults. 

Research in developmental psychology has consistently demonstrated that adolescent brains are still developing, particularly in areas that are in charge of impulse control and decision-making, and risk assessment. According to the research by Welner, DeLisi, Knous-Westfall, Meltzer, and Seward (2023), juveniles have diminished culpability compared to adults because their cognitive and emotional development is incomplete. These researchers emphasize that young individuals are more susceptible to peer pressure and environmental influences, which can lead to poor decision making that do not fully reflets their long-term character or potential. 

Using these developmental differences, many legal scholars and psychologists argue that sentencing juveniles to life without parole is excessively harsh and inconsistent with modern understanding of human development. Researchers have also found that public attitudes towards juvenile life-sentences often shift when people consider the development limitations of youth and their potential for rehabilitation Greene and Evelo (2013).

Another key factor is how their background could be a strong factor on their actions from young offenders. Research indicates that a significant percentage of juveniles in the justice system have experienced significant trauma. Studies show that approximately 60% of young offenders come from a violent environment and 90% have experienced multiple traumatic events during their childhood. Exposure to violence, abuse, neglect, or unstable living conditions can strongly influence in behavior and decision-making during those vulnerable periods of their adolescence. Without proper support system, young individuals may become trapped in a cycle of violence and criminal behavior. 

Rather than condemning these individuals to lifelong imprisonment, the justice system should prioritize rehabilitation and personal development programs that include mental health treatment, education, job training, and substance abuse recovery since studies have shown the significant reduction of recidivism among young offenders. For example, research conducted by Kretschmar, Tossone, Butcher, and Marsh (2018), found that juvenile diversion programs that address behavioral health concerns can improve long-term outcomes and reduce repeat offences in early adulthood.

Instead of life without parole sentences, courts should implement policies that allow for periodic review and psychological evaluation after serving a substantial portion of their sentence to give the opportunity to individuals to demonstrate rehabilitation and maturity through parole review. These evaluations should consider factors such as educational achievements, behavioral improvement, participation in rehabilitation programs, and psychological development.

Providing this opportunity does not mean ignoring the seriousness of their crimes or eliminating accountability. Instead, it acknowledges that people who committed crimes as children should not be permanently denied the possibility of redemption. Justice should include both accountability and the opportunity for transformation.

Therefore, I urge lawmakers and criminal justice leaders to pass legislation that:

Eliminates life without parole for juvenile offenders.
Establish a regular parole review opportunity for individuals who commit crimes before the age of 18.
Expand rehabilitation programs including mental health services, educational support, and vocational training for incarcerated youth.
Provide funding for evidence-based programs that support successful reintegration into society.
Young people deserve the opportunity to prove that they can learn from their mistakes and become a productive member of society.

Sign this petition to support a justice system that prioritizes accountability, rehabilitation, and second chances for juvenile offenders. 

Thank you for your time signing this petition.

N. Martinez Barron 

You may want to consider contacting the governor's office and the Colorado Secretary of State showing your support.

Contact Colorado Secretary of State:

1700 Broadway, Denver, CO 80290

Phone: (303) 894-2200

Contact Governor Polis:

State Capitol Bldg - 200 E. Colfax Ave., Rm. 136, Denver, CO 80203 

Help Line: (303) 866-2885

Governor's Office, Front Desk: (303) 866-2471

Sources:

Farrington, D. P., Loeber, R., & Howell, J. C. (2012). Overview of: "young adult offenders: The need for more effective legislative options and justice processing". Criminology & Public Policy, 11(4), 727-728. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9133.2012.00838.x

Greene, E., & Evelo, A. J. (2013). Attitudes regarding life sentences for juvenile offenders. Law and Human Behavior, 37(4), 276-289. https://doi.org/10.1037/lhb0000031

Kretschmar, J. M., Tossone, K., Butcher, F., & Marsh, B. (2018). Examining the impact of a juvenile justice diversion program for youth with behavioral health concerns on early adulthood recidivism. Children and Youth Services Review, 91, 168-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.06.010

Waroquier, L., Abadie, M., & Blaye, A. (2022). Age-related changes in controllable and uncontrollable processes underlying evaluative conditioning: A comparison between children ages 7 to 11 and young adults. Developmental Psychology, 58(2), 359-366. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001296

Welner, M., DeLisi, M., Knous-Westfall, H. M., Meltzer, C. C., & Seward, J. D. (2023). Homicide and criminal maturity of juvenile offenders: A critical review. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 48(5), 1157-1182. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-022-09694-5