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High court looks at life in prison for juveniles

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By MARK SHERMAN, The Associated Press Updated 1:16 PM Monday, November 9, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appears sharply divided over whether sentencing a juvenile to life in prison with no chance of parole is cruel and unusual punishment, particularly if the crime is less serious than homicide.

The justices heard two hours of argument Monday in cases involving two Florida teenagers who are serving life prison terms for crimes other than murder.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said that "because of immaturity, you can't really judge a teenager at the point of sentencing."

But Justice Samuel Alito wondered why someone who commits rape, but doesn't kill the victim must get a second chance.

The group Human Rights Watch says Ohio has two inmates who were sentenced to life for fatal crimes while they were juveniles.

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November 09, 2009 06:12 PM EST

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