Is justice served by locking him up?

REGARDING "CHILDREN behind bars for life," I found this article very interesting.

I have a friend serving a 20-years-to-life sentence with the possibility of parole for a crime he committed when he was 17 years old and a senior in high school. He is in the California system. He has been up for parole two previous times and denied both times. He is up for parole again in June.

The crime took place over 20 years ago. He doesn't feel like they're ever going to let him out. We grew up in an area where gangs were prevalent. He went to prison and has had adult prisoners teaching him how to survive in there. The saying goes that children learn what they live.

He has taken steps to further his education and make himself someone who can be a productive member of society. Is justice really being served by locking up 17-year-olds with adult "lifers"?

He is remorseful for what he has done. He deserves a second chance at life. He has spent more years behind bars than he lived before he went in. The other parties involved were all between the ages of 21 and 24. One of them, as I understand it, got out after six years.

I would be interested in any other research you may have regarding the social and/or emotional ramifications of this kind of sentence. I will be sending a letter soon to the parole board for the hearing. He has a sister in Texas who would like him to stay with her upon his release, which would give him a new setting for his second chance).

I want to help him. I just don't know where to start.
Stephanie Delgadillo, from the Internet