Which state has the highest rate of juveniles sentenced to death per capita?

Alabama has the highest rate of juveniles sentenced to death per capita, which highlights significant issues within the state's juvenile justice system. This statistic reflects the historical context and legal framework that has allowed for such severe sentences to be imposed on young individuals.

In "Just Mercy," Bryan Stevenson discusses the broader implications of sentencing juveniles to such harsh penalties and the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with treating young people as adults in the criminal justice system. Alabama’s rate is indicative of patterns of racial disparity, socio-economic factors, and the impact of legislation that traditionally favored harsher penalties for youth. This focus on Alabama's practices serves as a crucial illustration of the urgent need for reform in how juvenile offenders are treated, recognizing their capacity for change and rehabilitation rather than viewing them solely through the lens of punishment.