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Two brothers, two choices: a plea bargain’s toll on the innocent
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Henry and Juan Johnson, wrongly convicted of murder, won a new trial after 11 years in prison. The prosecutor offered to let them walk free — if they pleaded guilty.
Illinois high court hears defense, prosecutor debate 50-year sentence for youth
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The Illinois Supreme Court justices have the chance to decide how long is too long in sentencing juvenile offenders to prison without any hope of parole. At issue is a 50-year sentence imposed by a Cook County judge in a murder committed by a 16-year old.
Related: Question before court: How long is too long for sentencing youthful offenders?
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Question before court: How long is too long for sentencing youthful offenders?
Following U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Illinois’ high court has already ruled a 97-year mandatory sentence for a crime committed as a youth violates the constitution. But how many years is too much time? The court this week takes up the case of a man sentenced to 50 years in prison for a crime committed as a 16-year-old.
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Vermont high court permits lawsuit against cop accused of racial profiling
The Vermont Supreme Court ruling says a driver who claims racial profiling may bring suit against the officer, and casts doubt on the scent of marijuana as a valid basis for a search. Defense lawyers and civil rights groups praise the decision as a step to ending racial profiling.
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Cook County judge acquitted of gun charge got break others have not