Law’s Michael Benza discusses Supreme Court ruling on life without parole for juveniles

U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling shines light on two Northeast Ohio cases involving youths

The Plain Dealer: The Supreme Court ruled it is unconstitutional for states to have mandatory sentences of life without parole for juveniles convicted of murder. “Kids are different, and states have to recognize that,” said Michael Benza, visiting associate professor of law. “Kids just don’t think the way adults do. And we need to think of the punishment differently. Courts are saying that kids should have some hope for redemption.”