Seventy offenders walked away from death row Tuesday. Most will likely be walking into a life sentence, which is where they should be.

The Supreme Court ruled convicted killers who were under 18 years old when they committed their crime could not be executed. This ruling invalidates laws in 20 states that allow the execution of minors. It reflects the prevailing view of today’s courts that capital punishment should be reserved for the worst offenders, and three years ago it was decided that mentally retarded individuals did not fall under that category, and now, they have decided juveniles also do not.

Before Tuesday, it was illegal to execute those who were 15 years old or younger when they committed their crime, but now, 16- and 17-year-olds are no longer eligible, as it should be.

If society is going to be drawing a line where juvenile meets adult, then it should be followed in every aspect of the law, including the death penalty. Society says those under the age of 18 can’t realistically make adult decisions, so they shouldn’t be faced with adult punishments.

A life sentence is most appropriate for juvenile murderers; a life sentence that is fully followed through. Juveniles who commit murder should not be able to walk free just because they were young when they committed murder.

Most 16- and 17-year-olds should be mature enough to know that killing is wrong. Unfortunately, some don’t. But they should not be put to death for it.