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MX Group, Inc. v. City of Covington
The Sixth Circuit ruled Covington discriminated against people with disabilities by denying a permit for a methadone clinic and changing zoning laws. This decision favored MX Group, who had sued the city.
State v. Weaver
The South Dakota Supreme Court allowed expert testimony on battered woman's syndrome and the cycle of violence. This helps explain why victims might recant statements or return to abusive partners.
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department v. Mottram
The Court ruled a firefighter's PTSD was an occupational disease. Repeated traumatic work exposures caused neurobiological changes, making his condition eligible for workers' comp.
Bernal v. People
The Colorado Supreme Court found a photo array was too suggestive due to the defendant's distinct ethnicity and background. The case was sent back to determine if eyewitness identifications were still reliable.
Criminal decision making: The development of adolescent judgment, criminal responsibility, and culpability
The juvenile justice system has shifted towards more punitive measures, treating adolescents similarly to adults. This raises questions about adolescent maturity and decision-making in criminal contexts.
State v. Peralto
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a life without parole sentence for murder was cruel and unusual for a defendant with mental retardation. The court found mental limitations reduced culpability, making the sentence disproportionate.
Bustamante v. Massanari
The Ninth Circuit ruled that judges must assess all impairments, including drug or alcohol addiction, together when evaluating disability claims. Only then can they determine if substance abuse is material.
In re Anthony W.
The court committed a minor to juvenile hall due to repeated drug use and probation violations. This decision prioritized rehabilitation and supervision for the minor.
Florida Cannabis Action Network, Inc. v. City of Jacksonville
The court blocked Jacksonville's cannabis-festival ordinance, finding it likely violated First Amendment speech rights and unlawfully regulated event content.
Lopez v. Davis
The Court upheld a federal regulation excluding inmates convicted of drug or firearm offenses from early release. This affirmed the Bureau of Prisons' discretion in inmate program eligibility.
United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Coop.
The Supreme Court ruled there is no medical necessity exception to the Controlled Substances Act. This means organizations cannot distribute marijuana, even for sick patients under state law.
Ferguson v. Charleston
The Supreme Court ruled that drug testing pregnant women without consent for law enforcement purposes violated the Fourth Amendment. This case balanced public health concerns with individual privacy rights.
Turturro v. Cont'l Airlines
A court ruled PTSD alone is not a bodily injury. However, verifiable neurological brain changes caused by emotional trauma may qualify as a bodily injury.
Cannabis Action Network v. City of Gainesville
The 11th Circuit ruled Gainesville's street-closing and sound ordinances unconstitutional prior restraints on speech. This reversed an earlier district court decision.
Indianapolis v. Edmond
The Supreme Court ruled that highway checkpoints set up mainly to find illegal drugs are unconstitutional. These checkpoints violate the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches.