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Thing v. La Chusa
The court limited emotional distress recovery to closely related bystanders who were present and aware of the injury.
State v. Pratt
The court affirmed a juvenile's murder conviction, ruling his age was not a factor for "heat of passion" and other evidence was properly excluded. The prosecutor's comments were also deemed fair.
Thompson v. Oklahoma
The Supreme Court ruled that executing individuals for murders committed under age 16 violates the Eighth Amendment. The Court determined age mitigates the crime.
People v. Reyes
The court upheld a drug possession conviction. Large drug quantities, packaging, and cash provided sufficient evidence of intent to sell.
Grinspoon v. Drug Enforcement Admin.
The court ordered the DEA to reconsider marijuana's Schedule I classification. The DEA improperly excluded scientific evidence about its medical uses during the initial review.
US v. Caudle
The Fifth Circuit dismissed MDMA indictments because the DEA did not follow proper procedures when temporarily listing the drug as a Schedule I controlled substance.
State v. R.G.D.
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that judges must consider both aggravating and mitigating factors for juveniles convicted of serious crimes. Sentencing should be individualized, considering the crime, prior record, and other factors.
W.M.F. v. Alaska
The court affirmed an adult murder conviction for a juvenile. Evidence supported the finding that the juvenile would not be amenable to treatment before age 20.
Rock v. State
The Alaska Supreme Court ruled hypnotically refreshed testimony inadmissible. Hypnosis can distort memory, create false recollections, and undermine cross-examination.
State v. Fox
The Utah Supreme Court upheld Gary Fox's marijuana conviction but reversed Clive Fox's due to a lack of evidence.
In re Handa
The court upheld denying bail to a narcotics defendant due to public safety concerns. The ruling cited patterns of drug-related recidivism.
People v. Stout
Hill v. Lockhart
The Court ruled the Strickland test for ineffective counsel applies to guilty pleas. A defendant must prove their attorney made serious errors and they would have chosen trial instead; Hill did not prove this.
United States v. Lyons
The court rejected drug addiction alone as an insanity defense. It narrowed the legal standard, requiring an inability to appreciate wrongfulness, not to control one's actions.
People v. Bledsoe
The court ruled expert testimony on rape trauma syndrome cannot prove a rape occurred.