Connecticut's Supreme Court has decided to take up three cases that could decide how the state handles the convictions of children who commit murder and other violent crimes.The court will hear appeals Tuesday from inmates who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for crimes they committed while under the age of 18.
The hearings come after two U.S. Supreme Court decisions that essentially prohibit mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles in homicide cases, and require states to provide inmates with a "meaningful opportunity" for release in non-homicide cases.
In Connecticut, 14- to 17-year-olds charged with certain serious crimes can face adult prison terms, including mandatory life-without-parole sentences.
Chief State's Attorney Kevin Kane says the court now has the opportunity to set new parameters.
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