On March 3 the Wisconsin Court of Appeals concluded that a life sentence without possibility of parole for a 14-year-old homicide defendant does not violate constitutional prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment. While the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in Roper v. Simmons that offenders under the age of 18 cannot be subject to the death penalty, the state Appeals court concluded in this case (Wisconsin v. Ninham) that life without parole does not violate constitutional provisions against cruel and unusual punishment. As we continue to learn more about the adolescent brain, we hope the courts will give greater consideration to the realities of adolescent development. A significant body of research strongly suggests that harsh sentences for young offenders are often counterproductive, and do not serve the best interests of the community. A troubled teenager–even one who has committed a serious crime–has a good chance of maturing into a responsible adult capable of making a positive contribution. Going to prison for life at age 14 eliminates that possibility.