‘Mario’s Law’ legality to be debated in court

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Mario’s Law Tuesday.  

The law is criminal justice reform enacted by the general assembly in 2021.  

It’s designed to give young offenders serving lengthy sentences a chance at early parole. 

Now judges will review its legality and scope following an appeal.  

The statute says that any person sentenced before their 22nd birthday is eligible for parole after serving 20 years of their sentence.  

A superior court judge ruled in favor of the measure last year, but the attorney general’s office argues that the law violates separation of powers.  

Oral arguments begin Tuesday, and the appeal will be argued by the Rhode Island ACLU.