Final answer:
The majority of the 129 people serving life sentences without parole for nonhomicide crimes were located in Florida at the time of the Graham v. Florida ruling. This and the Miller v. Alabama decision reflect changing views on juvenile sentencing and the death penalty, with public opinion favoring life sentences over execution.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the time of the Graham v. Florida ruling, the majority of the 129 people serving life sentences without parole for nonhomicide crimes were located in the state of Florida. This landmark decision held that juveniles could not be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for non-homicide offenses, reflecting a shift in the judicial perspective on the treatment of juvenile offenders. Similarly, the Miller v. Alabama case determined that mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole cannot be imposed on juvenile offenders. These rulings align with the broader trend against the death penalty and harsh sentencing, as public opinion has evolved concerning capital punishment and mandatory sentencing policies.
The United States, as noted in discussions about capital punishment and its global standing, is recognized for its per capita rate of executions. However, there has been a noticeable decline in support for the death penalty. This shift in sentiment is possibly influenced by the wrongful execution cases and the overall decrease in violent crime. States have been moving toward abolishing the death penalty, a trend that could potentially influence future Supreme Court decisions on this issue.
In the context of public opinion, statistical data on preferences for life in prison without parole versus the death penalty for first-degree murder convictions indicates an increasing preference for life sentences over capital punishment. This marks a significant shift in the state's approach to criminal justice, particularly with regards to how states are reevaluating extreme sentencing.