Supreme Court of Florida
Leighdon Henry v. State of Florida
March 19, 201540 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 147
Summary
The court held that the Eighth Amendment applies to lengthy aggregate prison terms imposed on juvenile nonhomicide offenders when those terms deny a meaningful opportunity for release based on demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation. Because Henry's ninety-year sentence would imprison him until approximately age ninety-five, the court quashed the district court's decision and remanded for resentencing under the applicable juvenile sentencing legislation.