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Justices Debate Life In Prison For Juveniles

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Nov 9, 2009 9:21 am US/Pacific

Justices Debate Life In Prison For Juveniles

WASHINGTON (AP) ― The Supreme Court appears sharply divided over whether sentencing a juvenile to life in prison with no chance of parole is cruel and unusual punishment, particularly if the crime is less serious than homicide.

The justices heard two hours of argument Monday in cases involving two Florida teenagers who are serving life prison terms.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said that "because of immaturity, you can't really judge a teenager at the point of sentencing."

But Justice Samuel Alito wondered why someone who commits rape, but doesn't kill the victim must get a second chance.

Joe Sullivan was sent away for life for raping an elderly woman when he was 13. Terrance Graham was implicated in armed robberies when he was 16 and 17.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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