Help us Support SB591
The justice system in the United States has long recognized that juvenile offenders are not the same as adults and has tried to incorporate those differences into law and policy. But only in recent decades have behavioral scientists and neuroscientists, along with policymakers, looked rigorously at developmental differences,
In Arkansas, major juvenile justice reform was enacted in 2017 (Act 539) and 2019 (Act 189), that aligned Arkansas with constitutional requirements, supreme court decisions, and created a safer system for juveniles. SB591, sponsored by Senator Greg Leding, would eliminate life without parole as a sentencing option for minors and young adults (under 21) and create more age-appropriate sentencing standards in compliance with the United States Constitution for minors and young adults who commit serious crimes.
Act 539 (enacted in 2017) aligned Arkansas with constitutional requirements, supreme court decisions, and created a safer system for juveniles. This proposed amendment to Act 539 of 2017 would increase the age of jurisdiction from 18 years old to 21 years old and eliminate life without parole as a sentencing option for minors and young adults and create more age-appropriate sentencing standards in compliance with the United States Constitution for minors and young adults who commit serious crimes.
Adolescent development research has proven that children’s brains and characters are still forming. They do not have adult levels of judgment or the ability to assess risks. They are also uniquely capable of rehabilitation, so should be held accountable in age-appropriate ways with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Learn more about how you can help: https://bit.ly/3tLJR3q
Help us Support SB591
The justice system in the United States has long recognized that juvenile offenders are not the same as adults and has tried to incorporate those differences into law and policy. But only in recent decades have behavioral scientists and neuroscientists, along with policymakers, looked rigorously at developmental differences,
In Arkansas, major juvenile justice reform was enacted in 2017 (Act 539) and 2019 (Act 189), that aligned Arkansas with constitutional requirements, supreme court decisions, and created a safer system for juveniles. SB591, sponsored by Senator Greg Leding, would eliminate life without parole as a sentencing option for minors and young adults (under 21) and create more age-appropriate sentencing standards in compliance with the United States Constitution for minors and young adults who commit serious crimes.
Act 539 (enacted in 2017) aligned Arkansas with constitutional requirements, supreme court decisions, and created a safer system for juveniles. This proposed amendment to Act 539 of 2017 would increase the age of jurisdiction from 18 years old to 21 years old and eliminate life without parole as a sentencing option for minors and young adults and create more age-appropriate sentencing standards in compliance with the United States Constitution for minors and young adults who commit serious crimes.
Adolescent development research has proven that children’s brains and characters are still forming. They do not have adult levels of judgment or the ability to assess risks. They are also uniquely capable of rehabilitation, so should be held accountable in age-appropriate ways with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Learn more about how you can help: https://bit.ly/3tLJR3q