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Brief of Amici Curiae the Innocence Project, Inc. and the Ohio Innocence Project in Support of Petitioner-Appellant Chaz Bunch

This brief argues for a new framework to assess eyewitness identification reliability. It contends the petitioner's rape conviction, based on a problematic identification, should be reconsidered with scientific evidence.

eyewitness misidentificationwrongful convictionManson testunreliable eyewitnessrape
(2021)

Amicus Brief of Crime Victim’s Representative Nelson Rivera

This brief argues that Malvo's request for a new sentencing hearing undermines his prior promises to victims and disregards their rights. It highlights the lasting devastation caused to victims' families.

LWOPmurderlife without parolevictims' rightsresentencingincorrigibilityretroactive relief
(2021)

Brief of Roderick & Solange Macarthur Justice Center as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner Lee Boyd Malvo

This brief argues that Maryland's Constitution forbids life without parole for juveniles. It asserts that the state's "cruel or unusual" punishment clause offers broader protection than the Eighth Amendment.

incorrigibleEighth Amendment (U.S.)JLWOPjuvenile life without parole"cruel or unusual punishment""cruel and unusual punishment"Maryland Declaration of Rightsstate constitutions
(2021)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center, et al., as Amici Curiae in Support of Appellant Lee Boyd Malvo

This brief argues Mr. Malvo's sentence is unconstitutional because it never accounted for his youth or systemic racism. It asserts a new Maryland law cannot fix this and Mr. Malvo must be resentenced.

incorrigibleEighth Amendment (U.S.)JLWOPjuvenile life without parole"cruel and unusual punishment""cruel or unusual punishment"Maryland Declaration of Rightsstate constitutions
(2021)

Brief of Amici Curiae Community Passageways, Choose 180, and Rooted Reentry et al.

This brief argues that sentencing children to life in prison, or terms amounting to it, is unconstitutional. It asserts Tonelli's sentence ignored racial bias and lacks valid purpose, advocating for resentencing.

racial biasMillerresentencingretributionincapacitationdeterrencerehabilitationdisproportionate punishmentdevelopmental immaturitylife sentenceyouth of color
(2021)

Brief of Amici Curiae Children and Family Justice Center and Juvenile Law Center in Support of Defendant-Appellee

The brief argues that offenses committed by individuals under 18 should be excluded from Class X sentencing eligibility. This change would address the disproportionate impact of such sentences on Black and Brown youth in Illinois.

developmental differences between children and adultsyouthful offendersbrain developmentclass Xjuvenile court jurisdiction
(2021)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center, et Al., Amici Curiae in Support of Appellant Lee Boyd Malvo

The brief argues Mr. Malvo's sentence is unconstitutional because it did not account for his youth or systemic racism. It asserts a new Maryland law cannot fix this issue, requiring resentencing.

racedisproportionate sentencesjuvenile LWOPlife without paroledevelopmental characteristicsBlack juvenile offendersracial impact of sentencing lawsracial hierarchyEighth Amendment (U.S.)juvenile life without paroleracial disparitiesyouth
(2021)

Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of John Antonio Poole

This brief supports John Antonio Poole, arguing his life without parole sentence is unconstitutional. New scientific evidence on adolescent brain development and Supreme Court rulings should allow resentencing.

prefrontal corteximmaturityretroactive reliefresentencingMillermandatory LWOPmandatory life without paroleMontgomeryEighth Amendment (U.S.)Fourteenth Amendment (U.S.)chronological agemitigating factors of youthlate adolescentsbrain developmentimpulse controlself-regulationunderdeveloped sense of responsibilityvulnerability to peer pressure
(2021)

Brief of Amici Curiae Charles Selby in Support of Defendant-appellant John Poole

This brief argues that the legal system should align with medical science regarding brain development. It contends that the reasoning limiting severe penalties for juvenile offenders should extend to individuals up to age 25.

Millermandatory LWOPemerging adult18-year-oldbrain developmentadolescent developmentEighth Amendment (U.S.)diminished cognitive capacitypeer pressurerisky behaviorage of majorityMiller factorsde facto life sentenceunderdeveloped character
(2021)

Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Defendant-appellant John Antonio Poole

The brief argues that scientific evidence shows late adolescents, ages 18-21, share the same developmental immaturity as younger teens, which should allow them to challenge their sentences.

transient immaturitycruel and unusual punishmentEighth Amendment (U.S.)late adolescentsages 18-21Miller
(2021)

Brief of Advancement Project, Juvenile Law Center, and 38 Other Organizations as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent

This brief argues that students' non-threatening off-campus speech deserves full First Amendment protection. Expanding school authority over such speech disproportionately harms marginalized students and stifles healthy development.

Tinkeroff-campus speechstudents of colorracial disparitiesmarginalized groupsschool disciplineprotected speechoff-campus student speechadolescent braindevelopmental differencesEighth Amendment (U.S.)police interrogationpeer influence
(2021)

Brief of Amici Curiae Professional Organizations, Practitioners, and Academics in the Fields of Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, and Other Related Fields in Support of Petitioner

This brief argues the Eighth Amendment forbids the death penalty for 18-year-olds based on predictions of future dangerousness. Scientific evidence shows such predictions are unreliable for those under 21 due to brain development.

risk-takingimpulsivityfuture dangerousness under 21transient characteristics of youthimpermanent characteristics of youthemerging adultbrain developmentadolescents
(2021)

Amicus Curiae with Brief in Support of Poole Appeal

This brief argues that individuals aged 17-25 should be classified as juveniles. It posits this age range still possesses characteristics warranting juvenile legal treatment.

MillerculpabilityyouthEighth Amendment (U.S.)cruel and unusual punishmentmurderlife without parolemandatory LWOPjuveniles attendant characteristics of youthtransient immaturitylife imprisonmentresentencingchildren
(2021)

Brief of the Due Process Institute as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner

The brief argues a person's age at the time of a crime should not disqualify them from parole consideration. It asserts "youth matters" protections should extend beyond 18 to include young adults up to age 20.

emerging adultMillerLWOPlife without paroleextension of Miller18-20 year oldsyoung adult
(2021)

Brief of Amici Curiae Illinois, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, et al. in Support of Defendants-Appellees and Affirmance

California's amended law restricts firearm sales to young adults under 21, with exceptions. The state argues these measures promote public safety and reduce gun violence.

firearmsyoung adultbrain maturationSecond Amendmentbrain developmentimpulse controlage-based regulationsgun violencepublic safetyage twenty-one
(2021)
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