The United States sentences more juveniles to life without parole than all other countries in the world. But not anymore, thanks to a Supreme Court ruling yesterday. The court declared that in juvenile cases not involving homicide, life without parole is cruel and unusual punishment and therefore unconstitutional. The ruling strikes down a Florida sentencing law—but has wide-ranging consequences for most states, including Illinois. To help us sort through the implications, we’re joined now by Shobha Mahadev, Project Director at the Illinois Coalition for Fair Sentencing of Children at the Children and Family Justice Center.

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Inside and Out: A series on juvenile justice

Music Button:  Nate Mars, “Warrior”, from the CD Concentric Circles, (Blipswitchdigital)