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Brief of Amici Curiae Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network and Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project on Behalf of Qu’eed Batts
This brief argues that youth offenders, including those who committed serious crimes, have a unique capacity for change and rehabilitation. It presents stories of formerly incarcerated youth as evidence of this potential.
Brief for Amicus Curiae Pennsylvania Bar Association in Support of Reversal
This brief argues for new state procedures to limit life sentences without parole for juveniles. It proposes a strong presumption against such sentences, requiring high proof and expert testimony.
Proposed Brief of National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Dr. Giselle Hass, Tahirih Justice Center, and National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
Asylum-seeking children and adolescents, often traumatized by violence, have developing brains that need more time to apply for asylum. Scientific research supports treating individuals under 21 as minors in these cases.
Brief for Amicus Curiae the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association in Support of Appellee
This brief argues that current laws and court guidance sufficiently direct judges in sentencing juveniles. It contends that additional oversight or a new sentencing process for juveniles is unnecessary and would impede justice.
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.
Brief of Amicus Curiae American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that routine strip searches of youth in juvenile detention are harmful. It advocates for a separate, more tailored standard for youth due to their unique vulnerability to psychological harm.
Brief of Amicus Curiae American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that Joseph H.'s severe childhood abuse compromised his ability to understand his Miranda rights. The lower court failed to adequately weigh the impact of his maltreatment, violating his constitutional rights.
Memorandum of Amici Curiae the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality and the Center for Indian Law & Policy on the Timing of a Post-Admission Judicial Hearing
The brief argues a post-admission judicial hearing for involuntarily hospitalized foster children is required within 72 hours. This timeframe aligns with state law, constitutional due process, and other states' practices.
Amicus Curiae Brief of American Civil Liberties Union of Washington and Juvenile Law Center
The brief argues a teen's child pornography conviction is flawed, misinterpreting the law and harming rehabilitation. It claims the ruling contradicts the law's protective intent and has absurd registration consequences.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, Civitas ChildLaw Clinic, and Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth in Support of Petitioner-Appellant James Walker
This brief argues that children are less culpable than adults and should not receive the harshest punishments. It contends that a life without parole sentence for a juvenile is unconstitutional without an individualized sentencing hearing.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae in Support of Appellants Darien Vasquez and Brandon Valentin
This brief argues lengthy sentences for juvenile non-homicide offenders, like Vasquez and Valentin, are unconstitutional. It claims these sentences effectively deny a meaningful chance for release, violating the Eighth Amendment.
Brief of the Colorado Juvenile Defender Center as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of Respondent
This brief argues that mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional. It asserts that children differ from adults, requiring individualized sentencing and a chance for release based on maturity.
Amicus Brief of the District Attorneys for the Second and Eighteenth Judicial Districts
The brief argues that a prior ruling on juvenile life sentences does not apply to old cases. It asks the Court to uphold existing life without parole sentences or, if not, to allow new sentencing hearings.
Juvenile Law Center, Children & Family Justice Center, et al.’s Amicus Curiae Brief on Behalf of Respondent-Appellee
The brief argues Illinois's Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act violates equal protection and due process for youth.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center and Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth in Support of Appellants
This brief argues that mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional and should apply retroactively. It asserts that prior rulings support retroactivity for this substantive or watershed procedural rule.