Illinois Coalition for Fair Sentencing of Children

The Children and Family Justice Center is a founding member of the Illinois Coalition For Fair Sentencing of Children, a group of attorneys, academics, child advocates, and concerned citizens who are pursuing judicial, legislative, and other avenues designed to end the practice of sentencing children under the age of 18 to life without the possibility of parole ("JLWOP") in Illinois.

In early 2008, the coalition released a report, "Categorically Less Culpable: Children Sentenced to Life Without Possibility of Parole in Illinois" which offers an extensive and unprecedented look at the lives of 103 Illinoisans serving life sentences for crimes they committed as children. The report, which draws upon the findings of interviews and an extensive statistical review of the cases, urges the abolition of Illinois' juvenile life-without-parole sentences and recommends establishing a process by which a parole board can review sentences for juvenile offenders who have been incarcerated for a substantial period of time.

Executive Summary (pdf) | Coalition Members | Media and Related Links

Contact Us
Phone: (312) 503-0396
E-mail: cfjc@law.northwestern.edu