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Amicus Curiae of Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for Defendant-appellant John Antonio Poole
This brief argues a later request for judgment relief is valid due to a retroactive law change. It also claims Michigan's constitution prohibits mandatory life without parole for young adults without individual review.
Brief of Amici Curiae Neuroscientists, Psychologists, and Criminal Justice Scholars in Support of Defendant-appellant Mr. Poole
The brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences are unconstitutional for late adolescents. Scientific evidence shows no meaningful difference in brain development between those under and over 18.
Brief for Roderick & Solange Macarthur Justice Center as Amicus Curiae Supporting Defendant-appellant
The brief argues that mandatory life without parole sentences for young adults are cruel. It claims this violates the Michigan Constitution, which offers broader protection than the U.S. Constitution.
Brief of the Sentencing Project et al. in Support of Appellant Sheldon Mattis
This brief argues that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for 18-to-20-year-olds are unconstitutional. It suggests extending this protection to all late adolescents, citing developmental science and evolving standards of decency.
Brief of Amici Curiae for the Eastern District Attorney
The brief argues that mandatory life without parole is constitutional for 18-20 year olds who commit first-degree murder. It asserts that current science does not require extending protections for juveniles to this older age group.
Brief for Psychology and Neuroscience Scholars in Support of Respondent
The brief argues that a coach's post-game prayers coerced student athletes, violating the Establishment Clause. It contends students felt pressured to participate due to the coach's authority and fear of negative consequences.
Brief of the Juvenile Innocence & Fair Sentencing Clinic in Support of Appellant Reyes
This brief argues that courts should consider juvenile brain science when evaluating a minor's criminal intent. It contends that scientific evidence provides a more complete picture of adolescent decision-making.
Amicus Curiae of Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan for Defendant-appellant John Antonio Poole
This brief argues a later motion for relief is based on a retroactive change in law. It also claims Michigan's constitution bans mandatory life without parole for young adults without individual review.
Brief of Neuroscientists, Psychologists, and Criminal Justice Scholars in Support of Defendant-appellant Sheldon Mattis
Massachusetts law currently bars life sentences without parole for those under 18. This brief argues that scientific evidence shows 18-20 year olds are similar to younger adolescents, making such sentences inappropriate for them as well.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, Juvenile Sentencing Project at Quinnipiac University School of Law, and Deborah Labelle in Support of Defendant-appellant John Antonio Poole
This brief argues that mandatory life without parole for 18-year-olds is unconstitutional. It states that adolescents at this age are developmentally similar to those under 18, who are already protected from such sentences.
Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents
Emotional dysregulation, or difficulty managing emotions, is a major health risk for children and adolescents. It is linked to various psychiatric disorders, self-harm, and suicidality, and can result from adverse childhood experiences.
Giving to Others and Neural Processing During Adolescence
Adolescents' prosocial behavior becomes more complex with age, depending on who they are helping. Neural regions linked to decision-making, social understanding, and reward processing also show differences based on age and recipient.
Healthy Adolescent Development and the Juvenile Justice System: Challenges and Solutions
Adolescent brain development is linked to increased risk-taking, which can include illegal behavior. The juvenile justice system often falls short in supporting healthy adolescent development.
Impulsive and Risky Decision-Making in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The Need for a Developmental Perspective
Adolescents with ADHD show increased impulsive decision-making compared to peers without ADHD. This is driven by a preference for immediate rewards, possibly due to negative feelings associated with waiting.
Juvenile Life Without Parole: Exposing the Parallels Between Juvenile Offenders and Those Who Sentence Them
The US Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional, but a finding of permanent incorrigibility is not required. The US remains the only country to allow juvenile life without parole.