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State v. Moore
The Ohio Supreme Court upheld a lengthy sentence for a juvenile convicted of violent crimes. The court ruled the sentence, though long, did not violate the Eighth Amendment as it allowed for eventual release.
State v. Mares
The Wyoming Supreme Court found that a juvenile life without parole sentence was unconstitutional. However, changes in state law already made the defendant eligible for parole, making the specific challenge moot.
People v. Carp
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Miller v. Alabama, which banned mandatory juvenile life without parole, was not retroactive. It also affirmed that such sentences are not categorically barred by the Eighth Amendment or Michigan law.
Martin v. Symmes
The court ruled that Miller v. Alabama, which banned mandatory juvenile life without parole, does not apply retroactively. This prevented Martin from challenging his prior Minnesota sentence.
Bowen v. Kendrick
The Supreme Court upheld federal funding for adolescent pregnancy prevention programs, ruling they served a secular purpose despite religious organization involvement. The Court found no unconstitutional establishment of religion.
In re Gault
The Supreme Court ruled that juveniles facing delinquency charges have fundamental due process rights, including notice, counsel, and protection against self-incrimination. This 15-year-old’s case established key protections for youth.
J.D.B. v. North Carolina
The Supreme Court held a child's age is a factor in determining if they are in police custody for Miranda warnings. A 14-year-old was questioned without warnings and confessed.
Miller v. Alabama
The Supreme Court ruled mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles convicted of murder are unconstitutional. Judges must now consider a juvenile's age and background before sentencing.
Jones v. Mississippi
The Supreme Court ruled that a life-without-parole sentence for a juvenile offender does not require a separate finding of permanent incorrigibility. Judges can consider age along with other factors in sentencing.
Roper v. Simmons
The Supreme Court ruled that executing minors is unconstitutional, violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. The decision cited evolving standards, juvenile brain development, and potential for rehabilitation.
DeMola v. Cavazos
The court upheld a juvenile murder conviction, finding proper grounds to remove a juror. It noted the life without parole sentence considered mitigating factors and allowed for future review.
Banks v. People
The Colorado Supreme Court remanded a juvenile life without parole sentence after Miller v. Alabama. The trial court must determine if life without parole is still appropriate; otherwise, life with parole applies.
Commonwealth v. Brown
The court ruled mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional, applying a U.S. Supreme Court decision to a 17-year-old convicted of murder. It also reviewed his statements to police.
Falcon v. State
The Florida Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole sentences for juvenile homicide offenders are unconstitutional and apply retroactively. This decision ensures resentencing hearings consider the offender's youth.
Henry v. State
The Florida Supreme Court overturned a juvenile offender's life sentence for sexual battery, ruling it unconstitutional. The sentence denied a meaningful chance for release based on maturity and reform.