The U.S., with one of the world’s largest prison populations, faces criticism for sentencing at least 79 children under 14 to life without parole.
Advocates argue this punishment ignores the hardships many of these kids endured—poverty, abuse, and systemic racism. Some committed serious crimes, while others played smaller roles without violence.
The case of Lionel Tate, sentenced at 12 after a play fight turned fatal, brought national attention to the issue.
As former UN expert Juan Méndez noted, such sentences “violate the most basic principles of justice and children’s rights.” The debate continues: is America protecting society—or failing its children?
