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Brief of Juvenile Law Center, et al. Amici Curiae in Support of Appellants Carp, Davis and Eliason

This brief argues that mandatory life sentences for juvenile murderers are unconstitutional and should apply retroactively. It claims the Eighth Amendment bans such sentences, especially for those who did not directly kill.

Milleradolescent developmentneuroscientific researchintent to killmandatory LWOPmandatory life without paroleGrahamfelony murderEighth Amendment (U.S.)
(2014)

Brief of the American Psychological Association & the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior as Amici Curiae in Support of Defendants-Appellants

The brief argues that eyewitness testimony often leads to misidentification and wrongful convictions. It advocates for updating jury instructions with modern psychological research to ensure fair trials.

eyewitness testimonymisidentificationjury instructionsfalse identificationshuman memorywitness confidencepsychological researchDNA testingcross-examinationexpert testimony
(2014)

Brief of Amicus Curiae Juvenile Law Center on Behalf of Appellant Eric Long

The brief argues a life without parole sentence for a juvenile is unconstitutional. It claims the trial court failed to consider the appellant's youth, which generally counsels against such harsh punishment.

Millerindividualized sentencingminorchildrendecreased culpabilityLWOPlife without parolemeaningful opportunity for releaseagemitigating factoruncommon juvenile
(2013)

Brief of the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney

The brief argues a trial judge cannot direct the Parole Board. It asserts denying parole eligibility for juvenile first-degree murderers is unconstitutional, making them eligible for parole after 15 years.

denial of paroleLWOPlife without parolefirst-degree murderMillerparole eligibility trial judgesentencing judgeEighth Amendment
(2013)

Amended Brief of Juvenile Law Center on Behalf of Petitioners

This brief argues lengthy prison sentences for non-homicide crimes committed as a juvenile are unconstitutional. It states these sentences deny a meaningful chance for release, violating Eighth Amendment protections for children.

nonhomicide offensesde facto life sentencemeaningful opportunity for releaseintent to killjuvenilesMillerGraham
(2013)

Amicus Curiae Brief of Alaska Family Action

The brief argues that Alaska's Parental Notice Law protects minors by fostering family involvement in pregnancy decisions. It asserts that minors are uniquely vulnerable, making parental guidance crucial for their health and well-being.

minorsabortionsParental Notification Law (PNL)parental involvement lawssexual exploitationdevelopmental differencesimmaturitypsychological risks
(2013)

Brief of National Center for Youth Law and Juvenile Law Center as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent-Appellant

Amici support immediate appeals of juvenile-to-adult court transfers. They argue recent Supreme Court decisions on adolescent development require allowing challenges to transfers before final judgments.

child incarcerationadult facilitiestransfers to adult courttransfersrecidivismfuture offendingdiscretionary transferadolescent developmentadolescent vulnerabilityinterlocutory review
(2013)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center on Behalf of Appellee

This brief argues that since mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional, the default sentence for juvenile first-degree murder in Massachusetts should be the lesser included offense of manslaughter.

retroactive applicationresentencingMillermandatory LWOPmandatory life without parolefirst degree murderlesser offensesjuveniles
(2013)

Brief of Amicus Curiae National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Support of Defendant-Appellant, E.L.

The brief argues the Eighth Amendment requires courts to consider a child's youth before sentencing them to life without parole. It contends Eric Long's sentence is invalid because his age was not considered.

LWOPlife without paroleEighth Amendment (U.S.)youthagedistinctive attributes of youthcharacteristics of youth
(2013)

Brief of Amicus Curiae Juvenile Law Center in Support of Appellee’s Petition for Rehearing with Suggestion for Rehearing En Banc

This brief argues a life without parole sentence for a juvenile violates Supreme Court precedent. It emphasizes that children are different from adults and require individualized sentencing considerations.

Millerindividualized sentencinglife without paroleculpabilityblameworthiness
(2013)

Amended Merit Brief of Amicus Curiae Ohio Attorney General Michael Dewine in Support of Appellee State of Ohio

This brief argues that a juvenile offender’s life sentence without parole is constitutional. The trial court had discretion and considered his youth, distinguishing this case from others requiring resentencing.

Eighth Amendment (U.S.)discretionary sentenceLWOPlife without parolediscretionary life without parolemandatory life without paroleMilleryouthhomicidemitigating effects of youth
(2013)

Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, Legal Voice, and National Center for Youth Law in Support of Appellants

This brief argues that Alaska's Parental Notification Law (PNL) violates equal protection. It claims the PNL unfairly burdens minors seeking abortions compared to those seeking other pregnancy-related care.

pregnant minorequal protectionParental Notification Law (PNL)abortionequal protectiondiscriminationadolescent
(2013)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of Petitioner

This brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional and should apply retroactively. It claims the Supreme Court already affirmed this in a similar case.

retroactive reliefMillerGrahamchildadolescent develomentEighth Amendment (U.S.)watershed rules
(2013)

Corrected Brief on Behalf of Petitioner

The brief argues a sentencing scheme for juveniles is unconstitutional, as it denies a meaningful chance for release. It states that children differ from adults and deserve less harsh punishment.

first degree murdermandatory sentencingindividualized sentencingMillerGrahammeaningful opportunity for release
(2013)

Application to File Amicus Curiae Brief and Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of Appellant

This brief argues California's mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles violate Supreme Court rulings. It claims the law doesn't allow for individualized sentencing and contradicts adolescent development research.

juvenile life without paroleJLWOPfelony murderMillerGrahambrainindividualized determinationadolescent developmentmeaningful opportunity for releaseintent to kill
(2013)
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