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In re C.Z.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied a blanket release for juvenile detainees during COVID-19. However, the Court encouraged judges to individually review cases for potential release to reduce health risks.
J.H. v. Edwards
The court ruled that J.H. could sue the juvenile facility for potentially violating his rights. J.H. alleged the facility's COVID-19 response, including poor sanitation and overcrowding, put residents at risk.
People v. Manning
The Michigan Supreme Court declined to review a case challenging a mandatory life without parole sentence for an 18-year-old. Arguments were made that such a sentence violates the Eighth Amendment due to young adult brain development.
In re Brooks
The Washington Supreme Court ruled that a juvenile given a life sentence for crimes committed in 1978 is entitled to a new sentencing hearing. This hearing will consider his youth and potential for rehabilitation.
Commonwealth v. Cobbs
The Court upheld a life without parole sentence for an inmate who assaulted another prisoner. Though the inmate's original life sentence was later deemed unconstitutional, he was still validly serving it during the assault.
People v. Lusby
The court ruled a 130-year sentence for a 16-year-old was unconstitutional. This decision applied new sentencing rules for juveniles to an older murder and assault case.
State v. Moretti
The Washington Supreme Court affirmed life sentences without parole under the Three Strikes law. It ruled that the Eighth Amendment did not categorically protect young adults who committed their first offenses as minors.
Commonwealth v. Bourgeois
A juvenile offender argued his lengthy sentences for crimes committed as a minor violated his Eighth Amendment rights. The court ruled his age and rehabilitation were already considered, and the sentences were not a de facto life sentence.
Commonwealth v. Laplante
The Court allowed evidence obtained with a defective warrant because police acted in good faith reliance on its validity. The evidence would not have been inevitably discovered.
State v. Helm
The court upheld a life sentence without parole for a 14-year-old convicted of murder. His crimes occurred before a new ruling limited such sentences for juveniles.
Roberio v. Massachusetts Parole Board
The court ruled that a later amendment allowing longer parole review periods applied to Roberio, who was convicted of murder as a juvenile. This allowed him more frequent parole review.
People v. Stovall
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled a juvenile's life sentence for second-degree murder was cruel and unusual punishment. The court vacated the sentence, ordering a new one that considers the defendant's age at the time of the crime.
White v. Premo
The court ruled a 15-year-old's 800-month sentence, effectively life without parole, violated the Eighth Amendment. This decision followed new guidance limiting harsh sentences for juvenile offenders.
Commonwealth v. Felder
The court upheld a 50-year minimum sentence for a juvenile convicted of murder. It determined this sentence was not a de facto life sentence, considering factors like rehabilitation and parole eligibility.
Kinkel v. Laney
The court upheld a nearly 112-year sentence for a juvenile convicted of murder. It found the sentence was not a life sentence without parole and the defendant's mental illness did not preclude rehabilitation.