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Brief of Amicus Curiae National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Support of Petitioner
NACDL argues the "trial tax" penalizes defendants who exercise their right to a jury trial with harsher sentences. This practice undermines justice, truth-seeking, and disproportionately affects young people.
Brief of the National Association for Public Defense, the Children’s Law Center, Inc., and the Institute for Compassion in Justice as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that 18-year-olds are a distinct group due to their development and legal status, warranting an exemption from execution. It claims a national consensus opposes this practice, which serves no penological purpose.
Brief of Erwin Chemerinsky, et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that juveniles can only receive life without parole if a court finds them permanently incorrigible. It states the sentencing court failed to make this finding for the petitioner.
Brief of Amici Curiae National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mississippi Office of the State Public Defender, and Mississippi Public Defenders Association in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that sentencing a juvenile to life without parole requires a specific finding of permanent incorrigibility. Mississippi's current practices are challenged as they fail to reliably implement this rule.
Brief of Amicus Curiae Juvenile Law Center in Support of Petitioner-Appellee Luis Noel Cruz and Affirmance
This brief argues mandatory life without parole for young adults is unconstitutional. It states young adults share the same developmental characteristics that reduce culpability for juveniles.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amici Curiae in Response to Report of the Special Master
This brief argues that proposed bail reforms fail to address youth vulnerabilities. It recommends a presumption of indigence for youth in adult bail proceedings, citing their limited financial capacity and unique harms from detention.
Brief of Amici Curiae, Current and Former State Prosecutors, State Attorneys General, DOJ Officials, U.S. Attorneys, and Former Corrections Directors—In Support of Plaintiffs
Missouri offers parole to youth sentenced to life after 25 years. This process must assess maturity and rehabilitation, which promotes public trust and safety while upholding due process.
Brief of Amici Curiae Oregon Justice Resource Center and Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
The brief argues that lifetime imprisonment for juveniles, even with parole eligibility, is unconstitutional. It asserts that adolescent brain development means such sentences fail to serve the purposes of punishment.
Proposed Amicus Brief of the Sentencing Project in Support of William N. Palmer
Amici argue that mandatory life sentences for juveniles convicted of kidnapping violate the Eighth Amendment and the California Constitution's ban on cruel or unusual punishment.
Brief of Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner O.G.
The brief argues that S.B. 1391 aligns with the historical intent of Proposition 57 by reducing the number of youth tried in adult courts. It asserts the amendment furthers the initiative's purpose and voter intent.
Brief of Amici Curiae Former Judges, Current and Former Prosecutors, Law Enforcement Officers, Juvenile Justice Officials, Correctional Officers, and Probation Officers in Support of Petitioner
The brief argues a trauma-informed approach is the constitutional standard of care for detained children. It asserts the district court erred by not applying this standard to alleged mental health care failures.
Brief of Amici Curiae, Current and Former State Prosecutors, State Attorneys General, DOJ Officials, U.S. Attorneys, and Former Corrections Directors—In Support of Plaintiffs
Missouri's parole system for youth serving life sentences aligns with Miller by assessing maturity and rehabilitation after 25 years. This process is crucial for public trust and safety, ensuring due process for release consideration.
Brain networks underlying vulnerability and resilience to drug addiction
Research suggests that some individuals exhibit resilience to drug addiction, even with regular use or a family history. This resilience may involve compensatory brain systems that buffer the impact of drug use.
Brief of Amici Curiae Children and Family Justice Center et al. in Support of Defendant-appellee
The brief argues that mandatory life without parole for young adults, especially those under 21, is unconstitutional. It states their developing brains make them less culpable, similar to the rationale for minors.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae in Support of Appellant Tyshon Booker
This brief argues that youth matters in sentencing, meaning children are less culpable than adults. Courts must consider a child's age before imposing harsh adult sentences.