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Commonwealth v. Laplante
The Court allowed evidence obtained with a defective warrant because police acted in good faith reliance on its validity. The evidence would not have been inevitably discovered.
State v. Helm
The court upheld a life sentence without parole for a 14-year-old convicted of murder. His crimes occurred before a new ruling limited such sentences for juveniles.
Roberio v. Massachusetts Parole Board
The court ruled that a later amendment allowing longer parole review periods applied to Roberio, who was convicted of murder as a juvenile. This allowed him more frequent parole review.
People v. Stovall
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled a juvenile's life sentence for second-degree murder was cruel and unusual punishment. The court vacated the sentence, ordering a new one that considers the defendant's age at the time of the crime.
White v. Premo
The court ruled a 15-year-old's 800-month sentence, effectively life without parole, violated the Eighth Amendment. This decision followed new guidance limiting harsh sentences for juvenile offenders.
Commonwealth v. Felder
The court upheld a 50-year minimum sentence for a juvenile convicted of murder. It determined this sentence was not a de facto life sentence, considering factors like rehabilitation and parole eligibility.
Kinkel v. Laney
The court upheld a nearly 112-year sentence for a juvenile convicted of murder. It found the sentence was not a life sentence without parole and the defendant's mental illness did not preclude rehabilitation.
People v. Buffer
The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Dimitri Buffer's 50-year sentence for a crime he committed as a 16-year-old. The court found the sentence violated the Eighth Amendment due to his youth.
Commonwealth v. Lugo
The court affirmed a 17-year-old's mandatory life sentence for murder. The defendant argued the mandatory sentence was unconstitutional because it prevented judicial discretion for juvenile offenders.
Commonwealth v. Blount
The court upheld a resentencing of 35-years-to-life for a crime committed as a youth. This followed a mandatory life sentence being ruled unconstitutional for juveniles.
Bonilla v. Iowa Board of Parole
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that juveniles sentenced to life must receive more consideration in parole hearings than adults, including a focus on rehabilitation. However, it did not mandate specific procedures like appointed counsel.
Newton v. Indiana
The Indiana Supreme Court ruled that a trial court cannot grant a belated appeal request filed over 30 days after final judgment. Larry Newton's murder conviction appeal was denied due to this procedural deadline.
Commonwealth v. Lee
The court upheld a life without parole sentence for a crime committed at 18. It acknowledged evolving science on young adult brain development but declined to apply it retroactively.
People v. House
The Illinois Supreme Court mostly upheld a mandatory life sentence for two murders. The Court found the specific case did not violate the proportionate penalties clause.
Howard v. Coonrod
The court found Florida's parole system for juvenile lifers unconstitutional, as it made release nearly impossible. The state commission failed to consider their maturity and rehabilitation.