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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.
Bustamante v. Massanari
The Ninth Circuit ruled that judges must assess all impairments, including drug or alcohol addiction, together when evaluating disability claims. Only then can they determine if substance abuse is material.
In re Anthony W.
The court committed a minor to juvenile hall due to repeated drug use and probation violations. This decision prioritized rehabilitation and supervision for the minor.
Florida Cannabis Action Network, Inc. v. City of Jacksonville
The court blocked Jacksonville's cannabis-festival ordinance, finding it likely violated First Amendment speech rights and unlawfully regulated event content.
Lopez v. Davis
The Court upheld a federal regulation excluding inmates convicted of drug or firearm offenses from early release. This affirmed the Bureau of Prisons' discretion in inmate program eligibility.
United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Coop.
The Supreme Court ruled there is no medical necessity exception to the Controlled Substances Act. This means organizations cannot distribute marijuana, even for sick patients under state law.
Ferguson v. Charleston
The Supreme Court ruled that drug testing pregnant women without consent for law enforcement purposes violated the Fourth Amendment. This case balanced public health concerns with individual privacy rights.