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Baines v. Pennsylvania
The court allowed Franklin Baines to file a new petition challenging his life sentence as a juvenile. This followed a Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional.
Commonwealth v. Brooker
The court upheld Michael Brooker's murder conviction. Witness testimony identifying Brooker as a shooter in the death of Barry Jacobs Jr. in Philadelphia was deemed credible and sufficient evidence.
Commonwealth v. Cunningham
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that Miller v. Alabama, which ended mandatory juvenile life sentences without parole, applies retroactively. This means Ian Cunningham's life sentence, imposed as a juvenile, must be reviewed.
People v. Caballero
The California Supreme Court ruled that a 110-year sentence for a juvenile offender violated the Eighth Amendment. The Court stated such a sentence denied the possibility of rehabilitation.
Diatchenko v. District Attorney for Suffolk District
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional cruel punishment. The Court cited juveniles' lesser culpability and need for rehabilitation as reasons.
Graham v. Florida
The Supreme Court held that sentencing juveniles to life without parole for non-murder crimes violates the Eighth Amendment. This ruling recognized juveniles' capacity for reform and development.
In re Monschke
The Washington Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for offenders under 21 is cruel punishment. Scientific evidence on brain development shows young people are less culpable.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center, National Juvenile Defender Center, Children and Family Justice Center, et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioners
Petitioners argue that life without parole for non-homicide crimes committed by minors is unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment, citing youth's unique characteristics and capacity for change.
Amicus Brief by the Promise of Justice Initiative
This brief argues executing those 21 and under is cruel and unusual punishment. It cites scientific evidence of ongoing brain development and a national consensus against executing young adults.
Treating Substance Use Disorders in the Criminal Justice System
Many people involved with the US criminal justice system struggle with drug use and addiction. Providing effective drug treatment at various stages could help reduce crime and repeat offenses.
Brief Amicus Curiae of Becky Wilson and the National Association of Victims of Juvenile Murderers in Support of Respondent
This brief argues that a new ruling should not apply retroactively to old cases, as it would disrupt settled convictions and retraumatize victims' families. The brief claims no one benefits from relitigating already decided issues.
Brief of Amici Curiae Current and Former Prosecutors, Department of Justice Officials, and Judges in Support of Respondent
This brief argues that sentences for juvenile offenders must consider their age and maturity, holding that life without parole is excessive for most children. It asserts this principle applies uniformly, regardless of sentencing schemes.
Detecting Mens Rea in the Brain
An experiment attempted to detect brain differences between mental states relevant to criminal law. Jurors often struggle to distinguish between "knowing" and "reckless" mental states, highlighting a critical gap in the justice system.
Growing Up Together in Society (GUTS): A team science effort to predict societal trajectories in adolescence and young adulthood
The Growing Up Together in Society (GUTS) program examines how young people contribute to society. It combines individual, social, and societal factors to understand why some adolescents navigate challenges more successfully.
Examining Associations Between Genetic and Neural Risk for Externalizing Behaviors in Adolescence and Early Adulthood
This article explores how inherited traits and brain activity relate to externalizing behaviors like ADHD and substance use. It finds genetic factors and a specific brain response (P3 amplitude) are both linked to these behaviors.