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Hobbs v. Gordon
The Arkansas Supreme Court affirmed that Miller v. Alabama, which bars mandatory life without parole for juveniles, applies retroactively. This ruling upheld the decision to grant Ulonzo Gordon relief from his juvenile life sentence.
Layman v. State
The Indiana Supreme Court reversed felony murder convictions for two juveniles. It found the evidence insufficient and facts differed from previous cases, remanding for new proceedings.
State v. Soto
The court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional. This applied retroactively, allowing re-sentencing for those convicted as teenagers like Michael Soto.
Jones v. Commonwealth
The court ruled that a juvenile's life sentence without parole was permissible because Virginia's law allowed some parole possibility, differing from the mandatory sentences restricted by *Miller v. Alabama*.
People v. Palafox
The Court of Appeal overturned a gang-related probation condition for a 16-year-old convicted of murder. It found no evidence linking gang activity to the crime or rehabilitation needs.
People v. Vigil
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Miller v. Alabama, banning mandatory life without parole for juveniles, does not apply retroactively to cases already finalized, upholding Vigil's sentence.
Songster v. Beard
The court sent a juvenile lifer's case back to reconsider his sentence after a Supreme Court ruling banned mandatory life without parole for minors. The court did not decide if the new rule applied retroactively.
State v. Moore
The Ohio Supreme Court upheld a lengthy sentence for a juvenile convicted of violent crimes. The court ruled the sentence, though long, did not violate the Eighth Amendment as it allowed for eventual release.
State v. Mares
The Wyoming Supreme Court found that a juvenile life without parole sentence was unconstitutional. However, changes in state law already made the defendant eligible for parole, making the specific challenge moot.
People v. Carp
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Miller v. Alabama, which banned mandatory juvenile life without parole, was not retroactive. It also affirmed that such sentences are not categorically barred by the Eighth Amendment or Michigan law.
Martin v. Symmes
The court ruled that Miller v. Alabama, which banned mandatory juvenile life without parole, does not apply retroactively. This prevented Martin from challenging his prior Minnesota sentence.
Bowen v. Kendrick
The Supreme Court upheld federal funding for adolescent pregnancy prevention programs, ruling they served a secular purpose despite religious organization involvement. The Court found no unconstitutional establishment of religion.
In re Gault
The Supreme Court ruled that juveniles facing delinquency charges have fundamental due process rights, including notice, counsel, and protection against self-incrimination. This 15-year-old’s case established key protections for youth.
J.D.B. v. North Carolina
The Supreme Court held a child's age is a factor in determining if they are in police custody for Miranda warnings. A 14-year-old was questioned without warnings and confessed.
Miller v. Alabama
The Supreme Court ruled mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles convicted of murder are unconstitutional. Judges must now consider a juvenile's age and background before sentencing.