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Weaver v. Warden, Nevada State Prison
The Nevada Supreme Court ruled a veteran’s lawyer was ineffective for not presenting evidence of severe PTSD during sentencing. This omission may have changed the sentence.
US v. Piaget
The Fifth Circuit upheld a conviction, ruling that drug addiction is not a defense to knowing participation in a drug distribution conspiracy.
McDermott v. Bender
The court ruled a father's self-inflicted heroin addiction did not excuse his failure to pay child support or reduce his obligations.
Employment Div., Dept. of Human Resources of Ore. v. Smith
The Supreme Court ruled that neutral laws prohibiting peyote use are valid even when it is used for religious purposes, narrowing Free Exercise rights.
Maryland v. Craig
The Supreme Court held a child abuse victim can testify via one-way closed-circuit TV without violating the Sixth Amendment.
US v. Desurra
The court upheld a drug distribution conviction. It found methamphetamine intoxication did not negate the specific intent needed for the federal offense.
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.