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35 faith leaders say blocking Safehouse's overdose-prevention site violates their religious freedom. Their faiths command them to preserve life and show compassion to those in need.
Defendants argue an overdose prevention site would save lives by providing a supervised, hygienic space for drug consumption with immediate medical care and referrals, without violating federal law.
Brief of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Association of Cannabis Specialists, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the Americans for Safe Access Foundation as Amici Curiae
This brief argues that a judicial district's policy prohibiting medical marijuana for probationers unlawfully overrides state law. It contends the policy endangers patients by denying physician-approved treatment and lacks scientific basis.
Amended Brief of AIDS United, et al, as Amici Curiae in Support of Appellees Safehouse & Jose Benitez and Seeking Affirmance of Order Granting Final Declaratory Judgment
A coalition of health organizations supports Safehouse's plan for a supervised consumption site. They argue it saves lives, reduces disease, and connects people to treatment without increasing crime, aligning with federal law.
Brief of Faith Leaders in Philadelphia and Beyond as Amici Curiae in Support of Defendant/Counterclaim Plaintiff Safehouse
This brief argues that blocking Safehouse's overdose prevention site burdens the religious freedom of its board members. Their faith traditions command saving lives and providing care, which Safehouse aims to do.
Brief of the Committee for Public Counsel Services and the Health in Justice Action Lab at Northeastern University of Law joined by Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
This brief argues that Jesse Carrillo’s convictions for drug distribution and involuntary manslaughter should be overturned. It asserts his actions were not reckless and that he should have been charged with simple drug possession instead.
Brief of Amici Curiae of 11 Addiction Experts in Support of Appellee
This brief argues against the brain disease model of addiction. It asserts that addiction is a set of behaviors responsive to consequences, not an involuntary condition like other brain diseases.
Amicus Curiae Brief of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Inc., The Center for Public Representation, and Prisoners' Legal Services in Support of the Petitioner
This brief argues that courts should not jail individuals with substance use disorder for relapsing on probation. It asserts that requiring an addicted person to remain drug-free is unjust and violates precedent.
Brief for the Massachusetts Medical Society as Amicus Curiae, joined by AAAP, Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Grayken Center at BMC, MOAR, Mass. Society for Addiction Medicine, Northeastern Law’s Health Policy Center, and 28 others.
The brief argues that addiction is a chronic brain disease. Punishing relapse ignores medical consensus and hinders effective treatment, ultimately harming public health.
Brief of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and nine other organizations as amici curiae
The brief argues a judge improperly increased a probationer's jail sentence solely for treatment. It contends judges cannot sentence for an offender's welfare, as they lack control over prison treatment programs.
Brief of Mass. Med. Soc’y et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Pl.’s Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order & Prelim. Injunction
Medical organizations argue opioid use disorder is a brain disease requiring medication-assisted treatment. They contend the jail's policy of terminating treatment is outdated and dangerous, urging the court to order continued care.
Proposed Brief of Pub. Health Scholars as Amici Curiae in Support of Pl.’s Motion for Temporary Restraining Order & Prelim. Injunction
Public-health scholars argue methadone is a safe, effective treatment for opioid use disorder. They contend defendants mischaracterize methadone and that forced withdrawal is not medically recommended.
Brief for Amici Curiae The Legal Action Center, et al., in Support of Appellants
Amici argue that New York law protects people with conviction histories from hiring discrimination by both direct employers and controlling third parties. They assert that entities dictating "no-hire" policies are liable.
Amicus Curiae Letter in Support of Petition for Review in Chelsea Becker v. Superior Court
The brief argues that California law does not permit murder charges against women for pregnancy loss. It states that such prosecutions harm women and children, deter essential healthcare, and lack medical support.
Brief of Amici Curiae Center for Constitutional Rights, Transgender Law Center, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Make the Road New York et al. in Support of Respondents
The brief argues that punishing involuntarily homeless people for sleeping outside when no shelter is available is cruel and unusual punishment. It contends this criminalizes poverty and violates the Eighth Amendment.