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People v. Davis
The court upheld a conviction for MDMA possession and sale. It used scientific treatises to classify the substance, even without expert testimony.
Young v. State
A juvenile offender received life sentences for armed robbery, later reduced to 30 years. The court ruled this new sentence provided a realistic opportunity for release, satisfying Supreme Court guidance.
State v. Brown
The court ruled that sentencing a juvenile to multiple terms exceeding a life sentence for non-homicide crimes does not violate the ban on juvenile life without parole.
State v. Hart
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that sentencing a juvenile to life without parole for murder violates the Eighth Amendment. Mr. Hart's case was sent back for a new sentence.
Parker v. State
The court found Mr. Parker's life without parole sentence violated the Eighth Amendment, based on a U.S. Supreme Court decision. This requires re-sentencing for the murder conviction.
Jackson v. Norris
The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled mandatory life without parole for juveniles unconstitutional. Kuntrell Jackson, convicted at 14, received a new sentencing hearing to consider his age and crime.
State v. Pearson
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a 50-year sentence for a 17-year-old was cruel and unusual. The court emphasized considering a juvenile's age and potential for rehabilitation during sentencing.
State v. Ragland
The Iowa Supreme Court found a juvenile's life sentence, even commuted, was unconstitutional under federal law. The Court said the district court should resentence the defendant.
State v. Null
The Iowa Supreme Court sent a juvenile's case back for resentencing. His combined 75-year sentence for murder and robbery was considered a "de facto" life sentence, requiring special protections for juveniles.
Brief of Amicus Curiae Juvenile Law Center on Behalf of Appellant Eric Long
The brief argues a life without parole sentence for a juvenile is unconstitutional. It claims the trial court failed to consider the appellant's youth, which generally counsels against such harsh punishment.
Brief of the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney
The brief argues a trial judge cannot direct the Parole Board. It asserts denying parole eligibility for juvenile first-degree murderers is unconstitutional, making them eligible for parole after 15 years.
Amended Brief of Juvenile Law Center on Behalf of Petitioners
This brief argues lengthy prison sentences for non-homicide crimes committed as a juvenile are unconstitutional. It states these sentences deny a meaningful chance for release, violating Eighth Amendment protections for children.
Amicus Curiae Brief of Alaska Family Action
The brief argues that Alaska's Parental Notice Law protects minors by fostering family involvement in pregnancy decisions. It asserts that minors are uniquely vulnerable, making parental guidance crucial for their health and well-being.
Brief of National Center for Youth Law and Juvenile Law Center as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent-Appellant
Amici support immediate appeals of juvenile-to-adult court transfers. They argue recent Supreme Court decisions on adolescent development require allowing challenges to transfers before final judgments.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center on Behalf of Appellee
This brief argues that since mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional, the default sentence for juvenile first-degree murder in Massachusetts should be the lesser included offense of manslaughter.