"Emerging Adults" Can No Longer Be Sentenced to Life Without Parole: The Impact of Commonwealth v. Mattis
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Boston Bar Journal
Abstract
This article examines the landmark decision in Commonwealth v. Mattis by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which prohibits life without parole (LWOP) sentences for individuals aged 18 to 20, categorizing them as “emerging adults.” The ruling marks a significant shift in juvenile justice by extending constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment to young adults, based on contemporary neuroscience research indicating that brain development continues into the mid-twenties. The article discusses the implications of this decision for both the legal system and the approximately 200 individuals currently serving LWOP sentences in Massachusetts. By analyzing the majority and dissenting opinions, the article highlights the ongoing debate about the role of neuroscience in legal determinations and the potential for this decision to influence similar cases nationwide.
Publication Date
Spring 2024
Recommended Citation
Stevie Leahy, "Emerging Adults" Can No Longer Be Sentenced to Life Without Parole: The Impact of Commonwealth v. Mattis, 68 Boston Bar J. (Spring 2024).
Creative Commons License
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