Graham v. Florida

By Bianca Kue

Graham v. Florida

May 17th, 2010Terrence Graham (Juvenile)

Convicted of armed burglary and robbery Convicted again six months after 12 month

sentence Sentenced to life in prison without parole

Why was this case brought to the Supreme Court?

Question: Does the imposition of a life

sentence without parole on a juvenile convicted of a non-homicidal offense violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of "cruel and unusual punishment?"

Ruling: 6-3

Why? This case implicates a

particular type of sentence as it applies to an entire class of offenders (juveniles)

Life sentences for juveniles for non-homicidal crimes has been "rejected the world over."

How did this case change how we understand or interpret the Constitution/Amendments?

Made it unconstitutional to impose life sentences on juveniles.

Protects the minorities Categorical rule necessary.

Sources

http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2009/2009_08_7412

http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/08-7412.ZS.html