TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Feb 20, 2025

Legal officials in Tennessee are adjusting to a new law that will lengthen sentences for some children convicted of crimes, the Tennessean reports. “Blended sentencing,” which took effect at the start of the year, allows prosecutors to try some youth as “serious youth offenders” who can be given both juvenile and adult sentences. The adult sentence is paused until the child turns 19, when it can be imposed or revoked depending on a handful of criteria. Supporters of blended sentencing argue it closes loopholes that enabled juveniles to commit serious, violent offenses. Opponents say it weakens judicial discretion and hurts children who are not well served by blanket requirements for longer sentences. Nashville Juvenile Court Judge Sheila Calloway talked with the paper about the new law and the challenges she sees with its implementation.