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Amici Curiae Brief of Juvenile Law Center, ACLU of Washington, Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth, Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators, and Mothers Against Murderers Association in Support of Respondent, Brian Bassett
This brief argues Brian Bassett’s life sentences for crimes committed as a juvenile are unconstitutional. It claims the re-imposed sentence ignored evidence of rehabilitation.
Brief of Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, Columbia Legal Services, Teamchild, and Washington Defender Association as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent
This brief argues that Washington's constitution protects against cruel punishment more strongly than the Eighth Amendment. It contends that life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional and supports a ban on such sentences.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, and Center for Law, Brain and Behavior in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues a 21-year-to-life sentence for a juvenile convicted of felony murder is unconstitutional.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center et al. in Support of Petitioner
The brief argues that sentencing a 17-year-old to life without parole by plea agreement, under threat of death, is unconstitutional. It asserts that this practice disproportionately impacts youth and violates evolving legal standards.
Brief and Argument of Amicus Curiae in Support of Defendant-Appellee
The brief argues young adults under 21 are less culpable than older adults due to developmental differences. It asserts they deserve the same sentencing protections as those under 18.
Brief for the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, National Association of Social Workers, and American Academy of Psychiatry and Law as Amici Curiae in Support of Petition for a Writ of Certiorari
The brief argues that false confessions contribute to wrongful convictions, especially when coercive tactics are used on juveniles or those with intellectual deficits.
Amicus Curiae Brief of Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc., in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that the lower court improperly focused on jury findings and ignored victims' rights by requiring resentencing for juvenile murderers.
Brief of Amici Former Judges, Prosecutors, and Law Enforcement Officers in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues a 16-year-old's prison sentence without parole eligibility until age 112 violates the Eighth Amendment. It contends that juveniles should have a meaningful chance for release, even with long aggregate sentences.
Scientific Support for a Developmentally Informed Approach to Miranda Rights
Adolescents often struggle to understand Miranda warnings and their legal rights. This can lead to unknowingly waiving rights or making false confessions, especially for those in custody.
Temptations of Friends: Adolescents’ Neural and Behavioral Responses to Best Friends Predict Risky Behavior
Adolescents engage in more risky behavior when with peers, driven by their heightened sensitivity to social rewards. Neural responses to peer reward may make some adolescents more vulnerable to risky choices.
Brain Activity, Low Self-Control, and Delinquency: An fMRI Study of At-Risk Adolescents
Research shows a clear link between low self-control and antisocial behavior. Recent studies increasingly explore both social causes and brain activity related to low self-control.
Effects of Parental Divorcement on Impulsivity in Adolescence
This study found no significant difference in impulse control between adolescents with divorced and non-divorced parents. However, adolescents who experienced divorce at younger ages showed more impulse control problems.
Longitudinal Change in High-Cost Prosocial Behaviors of Defending and Including During the Transition to Adulthood
This study explores young adults' "defending" and "including" behaviors, which are high-cost prosocial acts. It examines their prevalence and changes during the transition to adulthood, along with related factors.
The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study: Imaging Acquisition Across 21 Sites
The ABCD study tracks brain development in 10,000 children to understand how environmental and biological factors affect it. Researchers developed and tested MRI procedures to ensure they are appropriate for 9-10 year olds.
The Development of Self and Identity in Adolescence: Neural Evidence and Implications for a Value-based Choice Perspective on Motivated Behavior
Adolescence is a key period for developing self and identity, involving shifts in social connections and self-perception.