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The Enduring Effects of Abuse and Related Adverse Experiences in Childhood: a Convergence of Evidence from Neurobiology and Epidemiology
Early life stress, such as abuse, can cause lasting changes in brain function and structure. These changes impact health and quality of life throughout a person's life.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center; The Center on Children and Families; The Central Juvenile Defender Center; The ChildLaw Center et al., as Amici Curiae in Support of the Respondent-Appellee
The EJJ provision is void for vagueness because it fails to adequately define prohibited conduct, harming youth and hindering effective rehabilitation. Separate hearings for EJJ and transfer motions also undermine juvenile court goals.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner-Appellant
The petitioner argues ineffective counsel failed to suppress her confession. Counsel conceded voluntariness, despite police not advising the then 14-year-old she would be prosecuted as an adult.
Addiction Specialists, Inc. v. Township of Hampton
The Third Circuit ruled Hampton's zoning illegally excluded a methadone clinic, violating the ADA. The case was sent back for action to allow the clinic.
Cognitive and Affective Development in Adolescence
Adolescence is a vulnerable period due to differing maturation rates of brain systems controlling emotion, behavior, and cognition. This creates risks and opportunities for reorganization of regulatory systems.
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.
Debunking Myths About Trauma and Memory
Experts find traumatic events are remembered clearly, contrary to theories of traumatic amnesia. Evidence does not support claims that dissociation or repression cause significant memory loss for trauma.
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.