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McNeill v. U.S.
The Supreme Court ruled that a prior drug offense's seriousness for ACCA sentencing depends on the maximum penalty at conviction, not later state law changes.
Gray v. State
The court upheld Kira Gray's murder conviction and 99-year sentence. It ruled that trying her as an adult at age 16 and her sentence were not cruel and unusual punishment.
Brief of Amici Curiae Juvenile Law Center, Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth, et al. in Support of Respondent Lee Boyd Malvo
The brief argues that life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional without considering factors like age, home life, and role in the crime. Courts nationwide have applied this standard to invalidate such sentences.
Brief of Loyola Civitas Law Center, Children and Family Justice Center, Juvenile Law Center, and National Juvenile Defender Center as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner-Appellant Austin M.
This brief argues a lawyer cannot serve as both defense counsel and guardian for a child in delinquency court. These dual roles create a conflict of interest, violating the child's constitutional right to an attorney.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of Appellant, L.S.W.
The brief argues that sentencing juveniles to life without parole for crimes where they did not kill or intend to kill is unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment.
Amici Curiae Brief on Behalf of the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, and the Loren Miller Bar Association, in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that a 92.5-year sentence for a juvenile in a non-homicide case is cruel punishment. It urges the court to define "meaningful opportunity for release" as no longer than the offender's age at the time of the crime.
Brief of Amicus Curiae TeamChild
The brief argues current zero tolerance policies and school resource officers create a harsher school environment. It questions if these changes improve safety, noting increased student contact with the justice system.
Brief of Indiana, et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondent
The brief argues that Miranda custody should not consider age, as it is a subjective factor already covered by voluntariness assessments. An objective standard for custody avoids confusion for police and unnecessary societal costs.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center et al. on Behalf of Appellant Rodrigo Caballero
The brief argues a 16-year-old's 110-year sentence for non-homicide offenses is unconstitutional. It claims this "life without parole" sentence violates Supreme Court rulings requiring a meaningful chance for juveniles to re-enter society.
Pacific Juvenile Defender Center on Behalf of Appellant Rodrigo Caballero
This brief argues that a 110-year sentence for a juvenile non-homicide offender is cruel and unusual punishment. Such a sentence is a de facto life sentence, violating both the US and California Constitutions.
Brief of Amicus Curiae on Behalf of Appellant, Paul H. Gingerich
The brief argues the trial court did not protect Paul Gingerich's due process rights. It failed to ensure his competency at key stages, violating state and federal law, leading to unfair proceedings.
Ramos v. Patnaude
The First Circuit upheld summary judgment for Dr. Patnaude, finding no evidence of deliberate indifference to a pretrial detainee's heroin withdrawal beyond possible negligence.
DePierre v. United States
The Supreme Court ruled that “cocaine base” covers all basic forms of cocaine, not only crack. This expanded the scope of the ADAA's sentencing provisions.
Tapia v. US
The Court ruled that sentencing courts cannot lengthen or impose a prison term to promote a defendant’s rehabilitation. This ensures prison sentences focus on punishment, not rehabilitation efforts.
Pliva, Inc. v. Mensing
The Court ruled generic drug makers cannot be sued over label warnings under state law. Federal law requires their labels to match brand-name drugs, impacting recourse for patients.