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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.

risk-takingimpulsivityfuture dangerousness under 21transient characteristics of youthimpermanent characteristics of youthemerging adultbrain developmentadolescents
(2021)

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.

MillerculpabilityyouthEighth Amendment (U.S.)cruel and unusual punishmentmurderlife without parolemandatory LWOPjuveniles attendant characteristics of youthtransient immaturitylife imprisonmentresentencingchildren
(2021)

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.

emerging adultMillerLWOPlife without paroleextension of Miller18-20 year oldsyoung adult
(2021)

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.

firearmsyoung adultbrain maturationSecond Amendmentbrain developmentimpulse controlage-based regulationsgun violencepublic safetyage twenty-one
(2021)

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.

adverse childhood experiencestraumamitigating evidencemoral culpabilitychildhood abusemental healthACEs
(2021)

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.

childhood povertyracemitigating evidenceschool-to-prison pipelinehabeas corpusBlack youth
(2021)

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.

mitigating evidenceyouthful offenderantipsychoticschildhood traumamental healthsolitary confinementyouth-centered expert testimonyantipsychotic medication
(2021)

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.

adverse childhood experiencesmental illnessmitigating evidencechildhood abusetraumachildhood trauma
(2021)

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.

prefrontal cortexLWOPMillerMontgomeryhallmark features of youthneurobiological researchlesser blameworthinessages 18-25young adultemerging adultsimpulsivitymurder
(2021)

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.

(2021)

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.

(2021)

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.

HeroinOxycodoneFentanylMethadoneNeuroimagingPostmorten
(2021)

American Addiction Centers, Inc. v. NAATP

A company sued a trade association for defamation and anticompetitive behavior. They claimed false statements damaged their business reputation and market position.

AACdefamationanticompetitive conductfalse statementsbusiness reputationmarket standingaddiction trade association
(2021)

Moody v. Mental Health and Addiction Serv.

The court addressed the closure and bankruptcy of a a substance abuse treatment center. Disputes involved licensing, patient care, and financial mismanagement.

(2021)

People v. Brugman

The court upheld Brugman's violent offense convictions. His claims of trial error, insufficient evidence, and leniency due to his personality and substance use disorders were rejected.

violent offensestrial errorevidence claimsborderline personality disordercocaine use disorderalcohol use disorderleniencyconvictions
(2021)