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Planting misinformation in the human mind: A 30-year investigation of the malleability of memory
Research shows that misleading information can alter memories, a phenomenon called the "misinformation effect." This effect is more likely when time has passed, weakening the original memory.
Foelker v. Outagamie County
The court reinstated a lawsuit over a jail's forced methadone withdrawal. Evidence of severe withdrawal and neglect could show deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth, et al. In Support of Respondent Lee Boyd Malvo
This brief argues that executing 16 and 17-year-olds is cruel and unusual punishment. It asserts that evolving standards and new research show these youths are less culpable and deterrable than adults.
Brief of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., the American Civil Liberties Union, et. al., as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent
The brief argues that race remains a factor in juvenile death penalty cases despite court efforts. It asserts that racial bias discounts youth as a mitigating factor, leading to a disproportionate number of youth of color on death row.
Brief of the European Union and Members of the International Community in Support of Respondent
The brief argues international consensus opposes executing offenders under 18 at the time of their crimes, citing practices of most nations and international law. It urges the Court to consider this global agreement.
Brief of New York, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, and West Virginia as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent
The brief argues that executing juvenile offenders is cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. A national consensus now exists, with 31 states and the federal government prohibiting such executions.
Brief of the States of Alabama, Delaware, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Virginia in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues against a complete ban on the death penalty for 16- and 17-year-olds. It asserts that some adolescent offenders can understand the severity of their actions, making a categorical exemption unjustified.
Brief for the American Psychological Association, and the Missouri Psychological Association as Amici Curiae Supporting Respondent
This brief argues that executing 16 and 17-year-olds is unconstitutional. It states adolescents lack the maturity, brain development, and impulse control for adult-level decision-making and blameworthiness.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center, et al. in Support of Respondent
The brief argues that executing individuals who committed crimes at ages 16 or 17 is unconstitutional. It claims evolving standards and scientific research show such executions are cruel and unusual punishment.
Brief of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry et al., as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent
This brief argues that scientific evidence shows adolescent brains are still developing, impacting impulse control and decision-making. These differences should categorically disqualify 16 and 17-year-old offenders from the death penalty.
Seeing Black: Race, Crime, and Visual Processing
The stereotype of Black Americans as violent and criminal is strong and automatic. Research shows that just as the presence of Black individuals can trigger thoughts of crime, the concept of crime can also trigger thoughts of Black people.
Competence, Culpability, and Punishment: Implications of Atkins for Executing and Sentencing Adolescents
The article argues that the Supreme Court's reasoning for prohibiting the execution of people with mental retardation should also apply to adolescents.
Tsombanidis v. West Haven Fire Dept.
The court found West Haven did not discriminate under the FHA or ADA. This was because plaintiffs failed to show intentional bias or disparate impact from applying fire codes to a sober living home.
Wiggins v. Smith
The Supreme Court ruled that a lawyer's failure to investigate a client's severe childhood abuse constituted ineffective assistance, making a life sentence probable.
State v. Standard
The court upheld a teenager's murder conviction, finding his confession was voluntary. Separate sentences for murder and firearm possession were also deemed constitutional.