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Brief of the Equal Justice Initiative on Behalf of Dozens Sentenced to Die in Prison When They Were Children as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner
The brief argues a ban on mandatory life without parole for minors must apply to all past cases. This is a substantive rule, meaning it changes the law, not just how it's applied.
Brief of Northwestern University School of Law’s Children and Family Justice Center and Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles, as banned by *Miller v. Alabama*, should apply retroactively. It asserts that children are less culpable and have a greater capacity for change.
Amici Curiae Brief of Juvenile Law Center in Support of Appellant, Robert C.
The brief argues adolescent development and maturity are crucial in legal interpretation. It asserts the trial court erred by not finding the child, Robert C., lacked criminal capacity, given his age, immaturity, and trauma.
Brief of Washington Defender Association et al. on Behalf of Appellant
This brief argues that courts should consider a defendant's youth, even if over 18, as a mitigating factor in sentencing. Recent neuroscience and Supreme Court precedent show youth impacts culpability, allowing for reduced sentences.
Brief of Amicus Curiae National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Support of the Appellant Seeking Reversal
The brief argues that inadequate legal assistance led to a murder conviction instead of voluntary manslaughter. Defense counsel failed to present evidence of the client's PTSD, which was relevant to the crime.
Brief of Amici Curiae Torture Experts International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture, Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, REDRESS, and World Organisation Against Torture in Support
The defendant claims she suffered torture and PTSD, impacting her mental state. She argues expert testimony on her psychological condition should have been allowed to show she lacked the required intent for the charges.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center et al. in Support of Appellee Edwin Ike Mares
This brief argues that mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional. It asserts that Wyoming's current law, offering parole review after 25 years, still fails to provide required individualized sentencing hearings.
Amicus Curiae Brief of the Students of Father Gabriel Richard High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
This brief, written by high school students, argues that juveniles possess a unique capacity for redemption. It highlights the influence of environment and peer pressure on young people.
Brief of Amici Curiae Dr. Beatriz Luna, Dr. Charles Alexander Nelson III, Dr. Silvia Bunge, Dr. Adriana Galvan, and Dr. Linda Patia Spear in Support of Neither Party
Courts can consider scientific evidence on adolescent brain development when determining constitutional limits on juvenile sentencing. The human brain undergoes significant changes in structure, function, and chemistry during adolescence.
Brief in Support of the Resentencing of Petitioner Angel Alejandro on Behalf of Amici Curiae Robert M. Morgenthau, the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth, Child Welfare League of America, and Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators et al.
This brief argues that Angel Alejandro's resentencing should reject U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. It contends new juvenile justice science supports a reduced sentence, reflecting his diminished culpability as a minor.
Brief for the Center for Children, Law & Policy, University of Houston Law Center as Amicus Curiae
This brief argues that Texas juvenile courts can only transfer children to adult court when strict legal procedures are followed. Ignoring these rules violates due process for juveniles and undermines the juvenile justice system's purpose.
Amicus Curiae Brief of Columbia Legal Services
The brief argues that open juvenile records disproportionately harm youth of color due to existing racial disparities in the justice system. It contends that adding more record sealing requirements will worsen these disparities.
Brief of Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
The brief argues that life without parole for youth convicted of felony murder under aiding and abetting is unconstitutional. It claims these sentences are disproportionate to the youths' reduced culpability.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center et al., Supporting Appellee Songster
The brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional, citing a Supreme Court ruling. This ruling should apply retroactively to previous cases, making the appellee's sentence invalid.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center on Behalf of Respondent
This brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Miller v. Alabama. It asserts this rule should apply retroactively to cases like the respondent's.