SC high court orders resentencing for some felons

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Some South Carolina felons serving life sentences are getting a chance at less time in prison.

The state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that at least 15 felons serving life sentences for homicides they committed while they were minors are eligible to return to court to be resentenced.

Local media outlets report that the 3-2 decision cited a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court decision that banned mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole in instances where juveniles commit murder.

The high court called such sentences “cruel and unusual punishments” under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Wednesday’s ruling does not mean any of the 15 inmates will necessarily get out of prison any time soon or that a sentencing reduction will occur.