Pennsylvania lawmakers address second-degree murder sentencing after court ruling

Pennsylvania lawmakers address second-degree murder sentencing after court ruling

Pennsylvania lawmakers are working to create new sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder after the state Supreme Court ruled that life sentences constitute cruel and unusual punishment and are unconstitutional.

State Rep. Valerie Gaydos recently organized an event in western Pennsylvania, bringing together district attorneys, law enforcement officials, and others to discuss the issue. “What we want to do is make sure that we get these sentencing guidelines correct and that everyone’s voices are heard,” Gaydos said.

Defense attorneys have also expressed concerns about the current situation. “Until and unless the legislature acts, judges are going to be receiving petitions, but they have very limited guidance on how and when they should grant a new trial or how and when someone should perhaps be resentenced. So the legislature really needs to do its job, just like the Supreme Court did its job,” Defense Attorney Phil DiLucente said.

While bills addressing the issue have been introduced in the state House and Senate, no action is expected until the legislature reconvenes at the end of next month.