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Smith v. Follette
The 2nd Circuit Court upheld a law allowing judges to sentence people with drug addiction who committed felonies to prison instead of treatment. The ruling stated this did not violate due process or equal protection.
Holt v. Sarver
Arkansas prisons violated the Eighth Amendment with inadequate medical care and rehabilitation. The court found cruel and unusual punishment based on the overall conditions.
Bivens v. Six Unknown Fed. Narcotics Agents
This case established individuals can sue federal agents for Fourth Amendment violations, like warrantless drug raids. It paved the way for accountability in narcotics enforcement.
In Re Winship
The Supreme Court ruled that juvenile delinquency cases requiring confinement must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, aligning with adult criminal trials. This heightened the burden of proof for serious juvenile offenses.
Brady v. United States
The Supreme Court ruled that a guilty plea must be voluntary and informed, with awareness of its consequences. A plea can be valid even if influenced by the risk of a severe sentence.
North Carolina v. Alford
The Supreme Court held that a guilty plea is valid if it is voluntary, intelligent, and supported by strong evidence, even if the defendant maintains innocence. This allows defendants to accept punishment to avoid harsher outcomes.
Sostre v Rockefeller
The Court ruled that extended solitary confinement without due process violated the 8th Amendment. It found isolation risked prisoners' sanity and caused psychological harm, especially when punishing political activity.
Leary v. United States
The Supreme Court ruled the Marihuana Tax Act violated Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination and due process. The law unconstitutionally assumed illegal importation without proof.
Boykin v. Alabama
The Supreme Court ruled a guilty plea requires a voluntary waiver of rights with full understanding. The record lacked this proof, invalidating the plea and reversing the conviction.
McCarthy v. United States
The Supreme Court ruled that guilty pleas must be canceled if the judge fails to ensure the defendant understands the charges and consequences. Defendants can re-plead when proper legal procedures are not strictly followed.
People v. Moore
The court reversed a drug possession conviction. A warrantless search violated the defendant's Fourth Amendment rights, making the evidence inadmissible.
Powell v. Texas
The Supreme Court upheld a Texas law against public intoxication, ruling it targeted conduct, not a status, and therefore did not violate the Eighth Amendment.
United States v. Moore
The D.C. Circuit upheld a heroin possession conviction, rejecting an addiction defense due to scientific uncertainty and congressional deference. The court remanded for possible treatment through a diversion program.
Dillon v. Legg
The California Supreme Court ruled that a mother could recover for emotional distress after witnessing her child's death. This established factors for such claims, including proximity and direct observation.
Bailey v. United States
The Court upheld a warrantless search based on probable cause for heroin offenses. It also rejected an addiction defense as a bar to criminal liability.