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Non-Party Brief of Juvenile Law Center and National Center for Youth Law in Support of Douglas D.
The brief argues that schools are safe, but a false perception of rising violence leads to harsh, punitive measures. "Zero tolerance" policies criminalize minor acts, pushing children into an unsuitable justice system.
Minor Physical Anomalies and Family Adversity as Risk Factors for Violent Delinquency in Adolescence
Early childhood factors, like disruptive behaviors and family context, predict later violent delinquency. Biological and environmental factors interact from early life, with adverse conditions exacerbating predispositions.
Johnson v. Texas
The Supreme Court affirmed Dorsie Lee Johnson's death sentence. It held that considering a defendant's future dangerousness allows juries to adequately consider a defendant's youth.
Godinez v. Moran
The Supreme Court ruled that the same competency standard applies to pleading guilty, waiving counsel, and standing trial. A higher standard is not required, but waivers must be knowing and voluntary.
State v. Pratt
The court affirmed a juvenile's murder conviction, ruling his age was not a factor for "heat of passion" and other evidence was properly excluded. The prosecutor's comments were also deemed fair.
Thompson v. Oklahoma
The Supreme Court ruled that executing individuals for murders committed under age 16 violates the Eighth Amendment. The Court determined age mitigates the crime.
State v. R.G.D.
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that judges must consider both aggravating and mitigating factors for juveniles convicted of serious crimes. Sentencing should be individualized, considering the crime, prior record, and other factors.
W.M.F. v. Alaska
The court affirmed an adult murder conviction for a juvenile. Evidence supported the finding that the juvenile would not be amenable to treatment before age 20.
Hill v. Lockhart
The Court ruled the Strickland test for ineffective counsel applies to guilty pleas. A defendant must prove their attorney made serious errors and they would have chosen trial instead; Hill did not prove this.
Eddings v. Oklahoma
The Supreme Court ruled courts must consider all mitigating factors, like a troubled childhood, when sentencing someone to death. This reversed a death sentence for a 16-year-old whose abuse was ignored.
Bordenkircher v. Hayes
The Supreme Court ruled that prosecutors can threaten or bring harsher charges during plea bargaining if the defendant doesn't plead guilty, as long as the charges have probable cause.
United States v. Masthers
A guilty plea is invalid if evidence suggests the defendant is not mentally competent. Courts must hold a hearing to ensure a plea is knowing and voluntary when mental competence is in doubt.
Breed v. Jones
The Supreme Court ruled that trying a juvenile as an adult for a crime they were already convicted of in juvenile court violates the Double Jeopardy Clause. Juvenile courts generally hold exclusive jurisdiction once a juvenile is tried.
In Re Winship
The Supreme Court ruled that juvenile delinquency cases requiring confinement must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, aligning with adult criminal trials. This heightened the burden of proof for serious juvenile offenses.
Brady v. United States
The Supreme Court ruled that a guilty plea must be voluntary and informed, with awareness of its consequences. A plea can be valid even if influenced by the risk of a severe sentence.