Getting Life Without Parole, At 17

09:39

May 01, 2012

Joe Donovan, age 37, has been behind bars since he was sentenced to life without parole at age 17. (Deb Becker/Here & Now)

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule next month on whether to ban life without parole for minors convicted of murder.

The cases center on two 14-year-olds — one in Alabama, the other in Arkansas.

The decision could have a ripple effect across the country, affecting more than 2,000 prisoners, if the Supreme Court decides to ban life without parole for all juvenile offenders.

One of those prisoners is 37-year-old Joe Donovan of Massachusetts, who has been behind bars for 20 years.

Guest:

Joe Donovan

This segment was produced by Deb Becker.

This segment aired on May 1, 2012.