Commonwealth v. Derek Lee: Next Steps for Felony Murder Sentencing

Strategic Implications of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Decision Striking Down Mandatory Life Without Parole for Felony Murder

On March 26, 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a historic decision striking down mandatory life without parole sentences for the crime of felony murder under article 1, section 13 of the state Constitution, which prohibits cruel punishments. Although the constitutional right against cruel punishments has been in the state constitution since 1790, this was the first time that the Court has given it any independent, enforceable meaning. With more than 1,000 people currently serving mandatory life without parole sentences for felony murder in Pennsylvania, the Lee decision raises profound opportunities and challenges in ensuring that it is given the widest possible effect.

This CLE program will provide attorneys with critical information on the origins of the Lee case, its holdings and rationales, implications for client representation, retroactive relief, and mitigation strategies for sentencing proceedings and parole review. This historic moment will provide opportunities for lawyers across the profession to become involved, including providing pro bono representation to individual clients who are eligible for new sentences and pro bono support to public interest organizations leading the work.

Date
Monday, July 13, 2026

Time
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Continuing Legal Education
CLE credit for this program is pending for Pennsylvania.

This program is closed to members of press. If you are a reporter and would like to attend this event, please contact pressteam@dechert.com.

For questions, please contact brianna.dinmore@dechert.com.