MS SB2363

Prohibits death sentences for defendants under 18 years old at the time of the offense and requires judge-only sentencing proceedings (without jury) for juvenile offenders convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or capital murder.

Establishes alternative sentencing ranges for juvenile offenders if the court finds life imprisonment unjustified: 10-40 years for first-degree murder, 10-30 years for second-degree murder, and 20-50 years for capital murder.

Requires courts to consider the defendant's youth, nature of the crime, capacity for change, and incorrigibility when determining sentences for juveniles.

Makes these sentencing provisions retroactively applicable to all prior arrests and convictions regardless of when the offense was committed or judgment entered.

Allows persons who were under 18 at time of offense and received life sentences to be considered for parole after serving at least 20 years, applying retroactively to all such convictions.