Massachusetts court equates life terms for minors , `` in many respects , '' to the death penalty . Court reasons that judges ca n't determine whether a juvenile is `` irretrievably depraved '' meaning he has no capacity or desire to change his behavior and thus can not be rehabilitated by rehabilitation programs ; or if he's merely mentally retarded ( which would mean he could never become an adult ), Imposing such sentences violates Eighth Amendment protections .
Massachusetts court equates life terms for minors , `` in many respects , '' to the death penalty . Court reasons that judges ca n't determine whether a juvenile is `` irretrievably depraved '' Ruling : Imposing such sentences violates Eighth Amendment protections .