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Jones v. Mississippi
The Supreme Court ruled that a life-without-parole sentence for a juvenile offender does not require a separate finding of permanent incorrigibility. Judges can consider age along with other factors in sentencing.
Roper v. Simmons
The Supreme Court ruled that executing minors is unconstitutional, violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. The decision cited evolving standards, juvenile brain development, and potential for rehabilitation.
DeMola v. Cavazos
The court upheld a juvenile murder conviction, finding proper grounds to remove a juror. It noted the life without parole sentence considered mitigating factors and allowed for future review.
Banks v. People
The Colorado Supreme Court remanded a juvenile life without parole sentence after Miller v. Alabama. The trial court must determine if life without parole is still appropriate; otherwise, life with parole applies.
Commonwealth v. Brown
The court ruled mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional, applying a U.S. Supreme Court decision to a 17-year-old convicted of murder. It also reviewed his statements to police.
Falcon v. State
The Florida Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole sentences for juvenile homicide offenders are unconstitutional and apply retroactively. This decision ensures resentencing hearings consider the offender's youth.
Henry v. State
The Florida Supreme Court overturned a juvenile offender's life sentence for sexual battery, ruling it unconstitutional. The sentence denied a meaningful chance for release based on maturity and reform.
Baines v. Pennsylvania
The court allowed Franklin Baines to file a new petition challenging his life sentence as a juvenile. This followed a Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional.
Commonwealth v. Brooker
The court upheld Michael Brooker's murder conviction. Witness testimony identifying Brooker as a shooter in the death of Barry Jacobs Jr. in Philadelphia was deemed credible and sufficient evidence.
Commonwealth v. Cunningham
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Miller v. Alabama, which ended mandatory juvenile life sentences without parole, applies retroactively. This means Ian Cunningham's life sentence, imposed as a juvenile, must be reviewed.
People v. Caballero
The California Supreme Court ruled that a 110-year sentence for a juvenile offender violated the Eighth Amendment. The Court stated such a sentence denied the possibility of rehabilitation.
Diatchenko v. District Attorney for Suffolk District
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional cruel punishment. The Court cited juveniles' lesser culpability and need for rehabilitation as reasons.
Graham v. Florida
The Supreme Court held that sentencing juveniles to life without parole for non-murder crimes violates the Eighth Amendment. This ruling recognized juveniles' capacity for reform and development.
In re Monschke
The Washington Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for offenders under 21 is cruel punishment. Scientific evidence on brain development shows young people are less culpable.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center, National Juvenile Defender Center, Children and Family Justice Center, et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioners
Petitioners argue that life without parole for non-homicide crimes committed by minors is unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment, citing youth's unique characteristics and capacity for change.