This bill amends current New Jersey law to prohibit the sentencing of individuals under 21 years of age to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Specifically, it inserts a new provision stating that courts cannot impose such a sentence on any person who was under 21 at the time of their crime, regardless of the nature of the offense. This change is significant as it contrasts with existing law, which allows for life sentences for individuals in this age group.

The bill is a response to a ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which found that sentencing individuals aged 18 to 20 to life without parole constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. The bill aims to align New Jersey's sentencing practices with this judicial perspective, ensuring that young offenders are not subjected to the harshest penalties that deny them any chance of rehabilitation or release. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:43-7.1