Where a minor defendant is given a mandatory sentence which, due to its length gives them no meaningful opportunity for release within the average life span of an inmate, the sentence is a de facto life sentence and in violation of the Eighth Amendment.The 1st District Appellate Court affirmed in part, vacated in part and remanded a decision from Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent M. Gaughan.On June 16, 2012, Antuan Joiner, 16 at the time, was involved in the attempted murders of Leon and Thomas Cunningham and the first …