USA TODAY: …Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sentencing juveniles to a lifetime behind bars is cruel and unusual punishment, but the Michigan Court of Appeals said the decision was not retroactive and applies only to new cases.
On Wednesday, a federal judge ruled the high court’s decision is indeed retroactive, renewing hope for Pruitt and her fellow juvenile lifers. Judge John Corbett O’Meara said those imprisoned as children for life are eligible for parole, and to not allow it would create “an intolerable miscarriage of justice.”
The ruling gives ammunition to hundreds of defense attorneys statewide who are challenging the appeals court decision and are preparing to take their cases to circuit courts… (more)
