Resource Library
New to the Resource Library?
Learn how to navigate, search, and use our resources effectively.
Brief of Amici Curiae Charles Selby in Support of Defendant-appellant John Poole
This brief argues that the legal system should align with medical science regarding brain development. It contends that the reasoning limiting severe penalties for juvenile offenders should extend to individuals up to age 25.
Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Defendant-appellant John Antonio Poole
The brief argues that scientific evidence shows late adolescents, ages 18-21, share the same developmental immaturity as younger teens, which should allow them to challenge their sentences.
Brief of Advancement Project, Juvenile Law Center, and 38 Other Organizations as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent
This brief argues that students' non-threatening off-campus speech deserves full First Amendment protection. Expanding school authority over such speech disproportionately harms marginalized students and stifles healthy development.
Brief of Amici Curiae Professional Organizations, Practitioners, and Academics in the Fields of Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, and Other Related Fields in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues the Eighth Amendment forbids the death penalty for 18-year-olds based on predictions of future dangerousness. Scientific evidence shows such predictions are unreliable for those under 21 due to brain development.
Amicus Curiae with Brief in Support of Poole Appeal
This brief argues that individuals aged 17-25 should be classified as juveniles. It posits this age range still possesses characteristics warranting juvenile legal treatment.
Brief of the Due Process Institute as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner
The brief argues a person's age at the time of a crime should not disqualify them from parole consideration. It asserts "youth matters" protections should extend beyond 18 to include young adults up to age 20.
Brief of Amici Curiae Illinois, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, et al. in Support of Defendants-Appellees and Affirmance
California's amended law restricts firearm sales to young adults under 21, with exceptions. The state argues these measures promote public safety and reduce gun violence.
Brief of Advocates for Child Victims of Domestic Violence as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that Mr. Andrus remains on death row due to a state court ignoring evidence of his severe childhood trauma. It contends this contradicts prior Supreme Court rulings and developmental psychology.
Brief of Eight Million Stories and Lone Star Justice Alliance in Support of Petitioner
The brief argues the state court defied the Supreme Court by ignoring significant new evidence. It asserts this evidence, detailing the defendant's difficult childhood, would have prevented a death sentence.
Amicus Curiae Brief for Children’s Defense Fund, et al., in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals failed to properly reconsider a death row inmate's case. It asserts the court ignored evidence of childhood trauma, which could have changed a juror's sentencing decision.
Brief of National Alliance on Mental Illness and National Association of Social Workers as Amici Curiae Supporting Petitioner
This brief argues the lower court wrongly dismissed evidence of Mr. Andrus's severe childhood trauma and mental illness. It asserts this powerful mitigating evidence could have changed a juror's view of his moral culpability.
Brief of Amicus Curiae Robert Earl Hawkins in Support of John Antonio Poole
This brief argues mandatory life without parole for those under 21 is unconstitutional. It asserts young adults share the same developmental characteristics that led the Supreme Court to ban such sentences for juveniles.
Heroin addiction hijacks the Nucleus Accumbens: Craving and reactivity to naturalistic stimuli
Heroin users' brains showed heightened responses to drug-related content in a movie. This activity was linked to craving, suggesting specific brain areas are key to addiction.
The impact of Substance Use Disorder on COVID-19 outcomes
A study of over 11,000 adults with COVID-19 found substance use disorders linked to increased hospitalization, ventilator use, and death. These risks may be partly due to drug-related respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The molecular neurobiology and neuropathology of opioid use disorder
Opioid use disorder is a chronic condition driven by brain changes, causing compulsive drug taking and cravings. The widespread misuse of opioids has led to significant health and financial crises globally.