My name is Christopher Hill. I have a piece that I want to read called, “Question From a Juvenile Offender.”
I had a conversation with a few of my family members about juvenile lifers being sentenced and given the opportunity for parole. This is a great thing that happened for juveniles that are in the criminal justice system. It also raised questions like the question that my mom asked me not too long ago, which was, “How is it that a juvenile who killed a person could go home before one who didn’t?” My mother asked me that question because I am a juvenile offender who is currently serving a 30 to 60 year prison term, effective life sentence, for a non homicide offense.
Now the question of equality is being raised. Is one class of juvenile more important than the other class of juvenile in the criminal justice system? Juveniles who have homicides are receiving resources and support from groups that fight for injustice. Juveniles who don’t have homicides but are serving prison sentences just as long — Why don’t we have voices screaming just as loud after reading cases that explain the neuroscience of a juvenile brain development? It seems to only be raised in juvenile homicide cases.
Does the science that was presented in the United States Supreme Court about a juvenile’s brain development, culpability, the capabilities of change and maturity only apply if a juvenile committed an act of murder? It should apply to all juveniles that committed a crime. Why aren’t juveniles with non homicide cases being afforded the same rights, resources and opportunity to show they deserve freedom? What happened to No Child Left Behind? My name is Christopher Hill, and I’m currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania.
These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.
