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Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, Center for Juvenile Law and Policy, Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, and Children’s Law Center, Inc., et al. on Behalf of Appellee Joshua Polk
This brief argues that students retain Fourth Amendment rights at school. It asserts the exclusionary rule should apply to illegal searches by school officials to prevent constitutional violations and deter misconduct.
Brief for the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality and the Phillips Black Project as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues Missouri's parole process fails to provide juvenile offenders with a meaningful opportunity for release, as required by prior Supreme Court rulings. It contends the current system offers an illusory promise of freedom.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center and Center for Law, Brain and Behavior in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that mandatory life sentences for juveniles convicted of second-degree murder, especially under derivative liability, violate the Eighth Amendment.
Brief for Amicus Curiae Pennsylvania Ass’n of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The brief argues that Pennsylvania's legislature never amended sentencing for juvenile first-degree murder cases from 2006, leaving an unconstitutional punishment. It asserts that the judiciary cannot assign a missing penalty.
Brief of Amici Curiae Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network and Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project on Behalf of Qu’eed Batts
This brief argues that youth offenders, including those who committed serious crimes, have a unique capacity for change and rehabilitation. It presents stories of formerly incarcerated youth as evidence of this potential.
Brief for Amicus Curiae Pennsylvania Bar Association in Support of Reversal
This brief argues for new state procedures to limit life sentences without parole for juveniles. It proposes a strong presumption against such sentences, requiring high proof and expert testimony.
Proposed Brief of National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Dr. Giselle Hass, Tahirih Justice Center, and National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
Asylum-seeking children and adolescents, often traumatized by violence, have developing brains that need more time to apply for asylum. Scientific research supports treating individuals under 21 as minors in these cases.
Brief for Amicus Curiae the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association in Support of Appellee
This brief argues that current laws and court guidance sufficiently direct judges in sentencing juveniles. It contends that additional oversight or a new sentencing process for juveniles is unnecessary and would impede justice.
Individual Differences in Frontolimbic Circuitry and Anxiety Emerge with Adolescent Changes in Endocannabinoid Signaling Across Species
Genetic variations in an enzyme called FAAH, which affects brain chemistry, influence anxiety risk. This genetic effect primarily emerges during adolescence in both humans and mice, aligning with developmental changes in the brain.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Leaving and Returning to the Parental Home: the Role of Life Course Transitions, Socioeconomic Resources, and Family Connectivity
More young adults now live with their parents due to economic shifts. Racial and ethnic groups show different rates and timing of leaving or returning home.
Stress and the Adolescent Brain: Amygdala-prefrontal Cortex Circuitry and Ventral Striatum as Developmental Targets
Adolescence is a crucial period for brain development, making it both highly adaptable and vulnerable to stress. The timing and type of stress exposure during this time can significantly impact brain function.
The Lasting Impact of Early-life Adversity on Individuals and Their Descendants: Potential Mechanisms and Hope for Intervention
Early life stress profoundly impacts mental health across a lifespan. Studies, particularly with animals, show it alters brain development, fear learning, and stress responses, increasing the risk of psychopathology.
The Role of Social Determinants in Explaining Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Perinatal Outcomes
The US has significant racial/ethnic disparities in infant mortality, driven by higher preterm birth rates among minority women. Social determinants of health, like income, education, housing, and racism, mediate these differences.
When Is an Adolescent an Adult? Assessing Cognitive Control in Emotional and Nonemotional Contexts
Legal definitions of adulthood vary, but brain development, especially in areas controlling behavior, continues into the early 20s. This suggests that cognitive control in emotional situations may mature later than in neutral ones.
Young Adulthood as a Transitional Legal Category: Science, Social Change, and Justice Policy
The article finds that developmental brain research suggests young adults, like juveniles, are less culpable for crimes and have a greater potential for reform. This research supports reconsidering how the law treats offenders up to age 21.