TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Feb 24, 2021

The Tennessee Supreme Court is considering a case that could pave the way for nearly 200 people to be released from prison for crimes they committed as juveniles, Nashville Public Radio reports. The case involves Tyshon Booker, who was 16 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison for shooting and killing someone during a botched robbery in Knoxville. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to serve at least 51 years of a life sentence. Advocates of juvenile sentencing reform argue these sentences run afoul of a recent U.S. Supreme Court case that found teens must have a “meaningful opportunity” for life after prison. So far, no Tennessee court has recognized the new standard, arguing the law in question allowed no chance of release while Tennessee permits parole after 51 years.