1. Graham v. Florida By Bianca Kue

2. Graham v. Florida May 17 th, 2010 Terrence Graham (Juvenile)  Convicted of armed burglary and robbery  Convicted again six months after 12 month sentence  Sentenced to life in prison without parole

3. Why was this case brought to the Supreme Court? Question: Does the imposition of a life sentence without parole on a juvenile convicted of a non- homicidal offense violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of "cruel and unusual punishment?" Ruling: 6-3 Why? This case implicates a particular type of sentence as it applies to an entire class of offenders (juveniles) Life sentences for juveniles for non-homicidal crimes has been "rejected the world over."

4. How did this case change how we understand or interpret the Constitution/Amendments? Made it unconstitutional to impose life sentences on juveniles. Protects the minorities  Categorical rule necessary.

5. Sources http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000- 2009/2009/2009_08_7412 http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000- 2009/2009/2009_08_7412 http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/08- 7412.ZS.html http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/08- 7412.ZS.html