Resolutions Against
Life Without Parole

A number of organizations have approved policy resolutions against life-without-parole sentences for children. This body of support illustrates the growing momentum and strong coalition against the use of these extreme sentences for youth.

American Bar Association

Enacted February 2015

“With the adoption of Resolution 107C, the American Bar Association has sent a clear message to the legal community and policymakers across the country that children should never be sentenced to die in prison,” ABA President, William C. Hubbard.

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American Probation and Parole Association

Enacted February 2015

In addition to calling for an elimination of life-without-parole sentences for children, the resolution also recommends that governments “provide youthful offenders with meaningful periodic opportunities for release” and “acknowledge the mitigating factors of age.”

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American Correctional Association

Enacted August 2014

The American Correctional Association opposes life without parole for children in this resolution and states that “youthful offenders convicted of serious and/or violent crimes should be held accountable in a way that reflects human rights, values, and moral beliefs,” and that “youthful offenders have much greater potential for rehabilitation and should be provided every opportunity to heal and rehabilitate.”

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National Association of Counties

Enacted July 2014

This resolution supports eliminating life without parole and asks that lawmaking bodies across the country do so as well. From the resolution, “We therefore call upon State Legislatures across the country and the U.S. Congress to enact legislation that abolishes life without parole for children and provides them with meaningful and periodic sentencing reviews. These legislative changes should be applied both retroactively and prospectively so that no child is allowed to have their human rights violated because of when they were sentenced.”

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