Should Kids Spend Life Behind Bars?

In the U.S., 79 children under 14 are serving life without parole—raising serious questions about justice and second chances.

Some were involved in violent crimes, others just present. Many came from poverty, trauma, or abusive homes. One case, Lionel Tate, was just 12 when a play fight turned fatal. His story sparked national debate.

Experts say kids’ brains aren’t fully developed, and life sentences ignore their ability to grow and change. “Locking them up forever means giving up on them,” says former UN official Juan Méndez.

Though the Supreme Court banned mandatory life sentences for minors in 2012 (and made it retroactive in 2016), many cases remain untouched.

Advocates are pushing for reform—calling for counseling, sentence reviews, and a chance at rehabilitation. As Bryan Stevenson says, “True justice means believing kids can change.”