“Sentencing Children to Die In Prison”

Nikola Nable-Juris will speak about the use of life-without-parole sentences for youth under 18, both nationally and in Maryland. These sentences condemn a child to a lifetime in prison despite scientific evidence that adolescents are less culpable for their actions and more likely to be rehabilitated. The United States is the only country that sentences children under 18 to life in prison without parole and a growing number of states are revising their criminal laws to give children an opportunity to show they can grow and change. Nikola will share about reform efforts occurring around the country and the work in Maryland to end this practice, including ways to be involved in advocacy efforts.

Nikola Nable-Juris serves as policy counsel for the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. After working with pregnant and parenting teenagers in Alaska and survivors of domestic violence in Virginia, she was inspired to advocate for systemic change.  While at the University of Maryland School of Law, she interned with Juvenile Division of the Office of the Public Defender and the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland.  Her work at CFSY includes a blend of policy advocacy, community organizing, and support for local advocates around the country.