juvenile justice

Michigan has more so-called “juvenile lifers” than almost any other state in the country. More than a decade after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled automatic life without parole sentences for juveniles violated the Constitution, the vast majority of those people have received a new, lighter sentence.

Michigan's Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform was established in June 2021 with a goal of recommending changes to the state's juvenile justice system.

Michigan sentenced over 360 minors to life without parole — more than any state except Pennsylvania. Half of them have now been released and 90% have been resentenced, in most cases to a finite length of time.

The House Criminal Justice Committee and the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee opened hearings on ensuring legal aid for juvenile defendants.

State House and Senate committees will convene Tuesday for their first joint hearing on bills to ensure juveniles facing criminal charges have proper legal assistance.

A pair of state House committees started work Tuesday on bills to overhaul the state’s juvenile justice system.

Today, a new law to minimize distracted driving. Then, Wayne County's improvements to conditions at its juvenile detention center. Also, the finale of the Detroit incinerator. Plus, a new MSU art exhibit exploring work and home.

Bills scheduled for a Michigan House committee hearing Tuesday would ban life prison sentences for anyone aged 18 and under.

Christine McDonald, investigative reporter for Detroit Free Press, discussed reporting on the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center in Hamtramck.

A new bill package in the state Legislature would prevent anyone under the age of 19 from receiving an automatic life sentence.