What are the implications of juvenile life without parole sentences?

In Virginia, when a juvenile is tried and convicted as an adult, they may be subject to a juvenile life without parole sentence. This means that the juvenile will have to serve their sentence with no chance of parole or release, even if they demonstrate exemplary behavior during their incarceration. The implications of juvenile life without parole sentences are severe. Not only is there a high emotional cost associated with the sentence for the family and friends of the offender, there is also a financial burden. The long-term cost of keeping a person in prison for decades far outweighs the cost of rehabilitation. On the other hand, advocates of juvenile life without parole sentences argue that it is a necessary punishment for juvenile offenders who have committed serious crimes, and that it is an effective deterrent to juvenile crime. No matter the side of the argument taken, juvenile life without parole sentences must not be seen as the only way to handle juvenile offenders. Society must recognize the need for alternative forms of sentencing, as well as the need for rehabilitation and positive developmental opportunities. If more focus is placed on providing these opportunities, juveniles may be less likely to become repeat offenders, thus decreasing the rate of crime and the need for juvenile life without parole sentences in the state of Virginia.

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What are the implications of juvenile life without parole sentences?

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