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Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center et al. in Support of Petitioner-appellant Cyntoia Brown and Reversal
The brief argues a life sentence for a 16-year-old, even with potential geriatric parole, is disproportionate. It contends this effectively denies a meaningful chance for release and violates the Eighth Amendment.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center, Defender Association of Philadelphia, Atlantic Center for Capital Representation, and Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project as Amici Curiae in Support of Appellant Avis Lee
This brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences are unconstitutional for young adults.
Amici Curiae Brief of Juvenile Law Center, ACLU of Washington, Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth, Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators, and Mothers Against Murderers Association in Support of Respondent, Brian Bassett
This brief argues Brian Bassett’s life sentences for crimes committed as a juvenile are unconstitutional. It claims the re-imposed sentence ignored evidence of rehabilitation.
Brief of Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, Columbia Legal Services, Teamchild, and Washington Defender Association as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent
This brief argues that Washington's constitution protects against cruel punishment more strongly than the Eighth Amendment. It contends that life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional and supports a ban on such sentences.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, and Center for Law, Brain and Behavior in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues a 21-year-to-life sentence for a juvenile convicted of felony murder is unconstitutional.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center et al. in Support of Petitioner
The brief argues that sentencing a 17-year-old to life without parole by plea agreement, under threat of death, is unconstitutional. It asserts that this practice disproportionately impacts youth and violates evolving legal standards.
Brief and Argument of Amicus Curiae in Support of Defendant-Appellee
The brief argues young adults under 21 are less culpable than older adults due to developmental differences. It asserts they deserve the same sentencing protections as those under 18.
Brief for the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, National Association of Social Workers, and American Academy of Psychiatry and Law as Amici Curiae in Support of Petition for a Writ of Certiorari
The brief argues that false confessions contribute to wrongful convictions, especially when coercive tactics are used on juveniles or those with intellectual deficits.
Amicus Curiae Brief of Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc., in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that the lower court improperly focused on jury findings and ignored victims' rights by requiring resentencing for juvenile murderers.
Brief of Amici Former Judges, Prosecutors, and Law Enforcement Officers in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues a 16-year-old's prison sentence without parole eligibility until age 112 violates the Eighth Amendment. It contends that juveniles should have a meaningful chance for release, even with long aggregate sentences.
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 of Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence and End Violent Encounters, Inc. as Amici Curiae in Support of Appellant’s Application for Leave to Appeal
The brief argues that Michigan judges should be able to decide whether support animals can be in court on a case-by-case basis. It asks the Court to allow this to promote truth and uphold victims' rights.
Brief of Amicus Curiae Center for Victims of Torture in Support of Petitioners’ Habeas Corpus Motion
This brief argues that the indefinite detention of men at Guantánamo Bay causes human suffering and medical harm. It urges the court to grant the petitioners' motion to end their prolonged non-criminal detention.