Resource Library

Topics

Filters

Clear Filters

Resource Library

New to the Resource Library?

Learn how to navigate, search, and use our resources effectively.

How to use the Library

Amici Curiae Brief of the Center for Children & Youth Justice and Juvenile Law Center in Support of Respondent

This brief argues that juvenile court records should be sealed, citing state precedent and the rehabilitative goals of the juvenile justice system.

youthspecial protectionsrecord sealingrehabilitationprotective treatment of youthbrain scienceimpulsivitypeer pressuredecision-makingrisky behavior
(2014)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Appellant D.S.

This brief argues that Ohio's law requiring children to register as sex offenders for decades is unconstitutional. It states such long-term registration for juveniles violates due process and harms rehabilitation efforts.

delinquentsex offensesminorsregistrationjuvenile sex offendersdue processsex offender registration
(2014)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center, et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent, Ulonzo Gordon

This brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional, based on the Supreme Court's Miller v. Alabama ruling. The brief contends this ruling applies retroactively to past cases.

Millerretroactive relieflife without parolemandatory sentencingcruel and unusual punishmentEighth Amendment
(2014)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Appellant Donte Lamar Jones

This brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional and should apply retroactively. It claims the Supreme Court already applied it retroactively and that it's a substantive and watershed rule.

juvenile homicideMillercruel and unusualcharacteristics of youthEighth Amendment (U.S.)adolescentsdevelopmental characteristics of adolescentsretroactive reliefdisproportionate sentences
(2014)

Brief of Ad Hoc Committee Comprised of Former Officials of the Michigan Department of Corrections and Correctional, Penological, Public Safety, and Mental Health Organizations Together with Individual Experts as Amicus Curiae in Support of Appellant

This brief argues that scientific research shows youth are less culpable than adults and more capable of change. It asserts that life without parole for juveniles serves no penological purpose and is unconstitutional.

MillerMillerhomicidemurdertransitory immaturitycharacteristics of youthjustification for punishmentadolescent vulnerabilityretroactive relief
(2014)

Brief on Appeal of Attorney General Bill Schuette as Intervenor

The brief argues the Miller decision does not apply retroactively to already-final cases because it is a new procedural rule, not a watershed rule. The state also contends prior applications of Miller did not address retroactivity.

Millerretroactive relief TeagueMaxson test
(2014)

Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center et al., in Support of Petition to Transfer

The brief argues that Indiana's felony murder law applied to youth conflicts with Supreme Court rulings recognizing children's distinct culpability and development.

transfersfelony murderreduced culpabilitylesser blameworthinessmandatory minimum sentencesadolescentsadolescent vulnerability to peer influencedecision-makingimpulsivityjuvenilessentencing discretion
(2014)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center and the National Juvenile Defender Center as Amici Curiae in Support of Petition for a Writ of Certiorari

This brief argues that sentencing a child to prison until age 105 for non-homicide crimes is unconstitutional. It claims this "virtual life without parole" sentence denies the required meaningful chance for release.

de facto life sentencesMillerGrahamjuvenilesdevelopmental differencesagenonhomicide offensemeaningful opportunity for releaseEighth Amendment (U.S.)
(2014)

Amici Curiae Brief on Behalf of the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Support of Petitioner Filed with Consent of Parties

This brief argues that mandatory life without parole for youth is unconstitutional. It claims juvenile offenders deserve a chance at release due to their diminished culpability and capacity for change.

brain developmentyouth offenderspeer pressireblameworthinessculpabilitysusceptibility to deterencecapacity to changeLWOPlife without paroleGrahamMillerjuvenilesMiller factorsmitigating factors
(2014)

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 supports resentencing a juvenile offender. It argues against using standard guidelines that would lead to a life sentence, urging the court to consider new scientific understanding of youth and rehabilitation.

diminished culpabilitymitigating qualities of youthMillerLWOPrisk-takingneuroscienceadolescent developmentpeer influenceenvironmental factorsadaptable teenage brainimpulsivity
(2014)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center, Loyola Civitas Childlaw Clinic et al., as Amici Curiae in Support of Defendant-Appellant

This brief argues that Illinois laws automatically trying and sentencing 15- and 16-year-olds for murder by accountability as adults are unconstitutional, lacking individualized consideration for minors.

youthmurderculpabilitydevelopmental immaturitytransfersaccountability theoryfelony murderconstitutionally relevant attributes of adolescence individualized determinationagesentencing discretion
(2014)

Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center et al. on Behalf of Qu'eed Batts

This brief argues that a new life without parole sentence for a juvenile offender is unconstitutional. It claims the sentence was imposed arbitrarily and without proper consideration of youth-related factors required by law.

capacity for rehabilitationLWOPadolescent developmentreduced culpabilityincomptenciespeer pressurehomicideduresspresumption of immaturityage
(2014)

Brief of Amicus Curiae Victims & Victims' Rights Organizations

Victim families urge the court to retroactively apply a ruling that would allow individualized sentencing for youth offenders convicted of homicide. They believe past juvenile offenders deserve a chance to show rehabilitation.

mandatory LWOPmandatory life without paroleEighth Amendment (U.S.)victimscruel and unusual punishmentretroactive reliefMillerJackson
(2014)

Brief of Amici Curiae Ad Hoc Committee of Former Prosecutors, Former Judges, Former Governmental Officials, Leaders of Bar Associations and Law School Deans and Professors, in Support of Defendants-appellants

The brief argues that mandatory life without parole for juveniles violates the Eighth Amendment. It seeks retroactive application of Miller v. Alabama, requiring individualized review for past juvenile sentences.

Millerretroactive reliefresentencingEighth Amendment (U.S.)reduced culpabilitylesser blameworthinessLWOPlife without parolecapacity for change
(2014)

Amicus Curiae Brief of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. in Support of Defendant-appellants Raymond Curtis Carp, Dakotah Wolfgang Eliason, and Cortez Roland Davis

This brief argues that Michigan's severe juvenile sentencing laws, shaped by racial bias, disproportionately affect children of color. It asserts that life without parole should never apply to any child.

superpredator mythracial disparitiesjuvenilesyouth violenceracial disparitiesLWOPlife without paroleracialized criminalization of youthjuvenile sentencing laws
(2014)
1...313233...62