When a 14-year-old is sentenced to die in prison, everyone involved questions the dignity of a society that would throw away someone so young. As a judge forced to hand down mandatory life sentences to juvenile offenders, I know that better than most.
Despite recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court and Michigan courts declaring that sentencing children to mandatory life without parole is unconstitutional, 360 people still sit in prison for crimes they committed when they were too young to drive, vote, or graduate high school.
The reason? Michigan's harsh, outdated laws don't allow judges to determine appropriate punishments on a case-by-case basis or guarantee a fair opportunity for parole for young people serving these unforgiving sentences.
That's why I'm calling on legislators to push for reforms that recognize children cannot be held to the same standards of responsibility as adults.
Tell legislators: "Now is the time. Michigan’s laws must be reformed in the interests of true justice."
I served as a judge for over a quarter century and witnessed society move away from such harsh punishments. In fact, legislation is in the works to reform the Michigan’s law right now. But it won't happen without your support.
Michigan needs to stop this cruel and unusual practice. I've seen firsthand that people can change and that our society is stronger when it can demonstrate mercy.
Can you help Michigan move into the future by sending a message to legislators?
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This is a guest blog from Judge Fred Mester, who served as a circuit court judge in Oakland County for 27 years.
