Pennsylvania governor says putting murderers in jail for life without parole is unconstitutional

Pa. Supreme Court strikes down mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A major shift in Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system unfolded Thursday after the state’s highest court ruled mandatory life sentences without parole for second-degree murder unconstitutional, prompting immediate calls for legislative action and potential resentencing for affected inmates. The decision challenges a long-standing sentencing framework and places responsibility on lawmakers to establish a new approach.

Governor Josh Shapiro, who said he...