Recommendations

To the Governor of California

• Support the abolition of the sentence of life without parole for youth under the age of 18.
• Where youth are sentenced to prison terms, ensure meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation, education, and vocational training.
• Periodically assess the eligibility of youth offenders to parole.

To the California State Legislature

• Enact legislation abolishing the sentence of life without parole for youth who were under the age of 18 when they committed their crime.

• Enact legislation that creates meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation, education, and vocational training for people who are sentenced to life terms.

To State and County Officials

• Ensure indigent juvenile defendants facing life without parole receive adequate legal representation that meets their specific needs.

To State Judges

• Refuse to impose the sentence of life without parole on youth who committed their crime under the age of 18 on the grounds that California's law violates international law.

To California District Attorneys

• Support abolishment of the sentence of life without parole for juveniles in California law.
• Exercise the discretion provided under California law to recommend sentences other than life without parole for juveniles.

To Defense Attorneys

• Ensure that defendants and their families understand the procedures, defense strategies, and seriousness of the charges, including the possible sentence of life without parole, so that they can fully exercise their rights.
• Vigorously defend the rights of juvenile clients in adult court at all stages of the case, including trial plea bargaining and the sentencing phases.