Among the 48 Colorado inmates eligible for sentencing review are: Sam Mandez, Trevor Jones, Jacob Ind (top row) and Chris Selectman, Nathan Ybanez and Erik Jensen (bottom row). (Handout photos)
Re: A just ruling on juvenile sentences, Jan. 27 editorial.
This week s decision by the Supreme Court — requiring Colorado to revisit the life sentences of 48 inmates who were convicted of murder when they were juveniles — was long overdue. The Colorado legislature should have ensured that these sentences were revisited back in 2012 after the Miller vs. Alabama decision stated that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional. Given the failure to act four years ago, there is now a moral imperative to begin the process without delay. Furthermore, as the courts are recognizing that juveniles often have the capacity to reform, the 40-year sentences now used by the Colorado courts should also be reconsidered.
Jean Kingston, Lafayette
This letter was published in the Jan. 30 edition.
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