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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.
Brief of Center on Children & the Law; Center on Juvenile & Criminal Justice; Children & Family Justice Center; and Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Lionel Tate, Appellant
This brief argues for reversing a lower court's ruling. It claims the court failed to consider Lionel's age and violated his constitutional rights, including due process and protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
Gonzalez v. Cecil County, Maryland
The court allowed a widow's lawsuit against Cecil County and jail staff to proceed. She claimed they were deliberately indifferent to her husband's fatal heroin withdrawal.
MX Group, Inc. v. City of Covington
The Sixth Circuit ruled Covington discriminated against people with disabilities by denying a permit for a methadone clinic and changing zoning laws. This decision favored MX Group, who had sued the city.
State v. Weaver
The South Dakota Supreme Court allowed expert testimony on battered woman's syndrome and the cycle of violence. This helps explain why victims might recant statements or return to abusive partners.
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department v. Mottram
The Court ruled a firefighter's PTSD was an occupational disease. Repeated traumatic work exposures caused neurobiological changes, making his condition eligible for workers' comp.
Bernal v. People
The Colorado Supreme Court found a photo array was too suggestive due to the defendant's distinct ethnicity and background. The case was sent back to determine if eyewitness identifications were still reliable.
Criminal decision making: The development of adolescent judgment, criminal responsibility, and culpability
The juvenile justice system has shifted towards more punitive measures, treating adolescents similarly to adults. This raises questions about adolescent maturity and decision-making in criminal contexts.
State v. Peralto
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a life without parole sentence for murder was cruel and unusual for a defendant with mental retardation. The court found mental limitations reduced culpability, making the sentence disproportionate.
Youth Law Center Brief in Support of Petitioners
This brief argues that Proposition 21 harms public safety by increasing youth recidivism and injury. It also contends that the law's lack of prosecutorial guidelines worsens racial disparities in the justice system.