Before the Court
The Justices Debate Allowing Life Without Parole for Minors
At 11:01 a.m. on November 9, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for case number 08_7621, Joe Harris Sullivan v. Florida. At 11:51 a.m., arguments concluded and the case was submitted for judgment. Following are excerpts from the arguments of Bryan Stevenson, Counsel of Record for Joe Harris Sullivan, and Scott D. Makar, Solicitor General for the State of Florida. Questions are presented from the nine Supreme Court Justices. Argument on Behalf of the Joe Harris Sullivan MR. STEVENSON: Joe Sullivan was 13 years of age when he was arrested with two older boys, one 15, one 17,…