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Brief for the American Psychological Association as Amicus Curiae Supporting Petitioner

The brief argues that eyewitness identifications can be unreliable, violating due process rights. It contends that courts should assess identification reliability regardless of whether state actors caused the suggestive circumstances.

eyewitness identificationdue process rightssuggestive circumstancesreliabilitymisidentificationstate actionpsychological researchinaccurate identificationsjury instructionscross-examination
(2011)

Brief of Amicus Curiae the Innocence Network in Support of Petitioner, Supporting Reversal

The petitioner argues New Hampshire courts violated due process by refusing to assess the likelihood of misidentification in a suggestive pre-trial lineup.

due processsuggestive identificationmisidentificationreliabilityunfair trialwrongful convictioncross-examineexternal influences
(2011)

New Jersey v. Henderson

The NJ Supreme Court revised the state's eyewitness identification rules based on memory science. This expands pretrial reviews and requires stronger jury instructions on reliability.

memory scienceeyewitness identificationpretrial reviewsuggestive identificationsjury instructionsreliability
(2011)

State v. Obeta

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that expert testimony about typical rape-victim behaviors can be used to counter consent defenses, as such evidence is not automatically excluded.

expert testimonyrape-victim behaviorsconsent defensesdelayed reportinglack of injurysubmissivenesssexual assault
(2011)

Langford v. Norris

The court allowed inmates' claims to proceed, finding officials were indifferent to inadequate care and a grievance system that blocked access to treatment.

8th AmendmentADAprison officialsdeliberate indifferenceinadequate careaccess to treatment
(2010)

Commonwealth v. Canadyan

The court overturned a probation violation for not wearing GPS. It ruled punishment cannot be based on circumstances beyond one's control, like homelessness.

probation violationsubstance use disorder (SUD)GPS monitoringhomelessness circumstances beyond control
(2010)

Adolescent Brain Development and the Risk for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems

During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, including the growth of areas linked to complex thinking and emotions. These developmental changes also make the adolescent brain more vulnerable to environmental influences.

TeenagerBrain developmentAdolescenceGray matterWhite matterBrain connectionsRisk takingSubstance use effectsAlcoholMarijuana
(2010)

Adolescent Development of the Reward System

Adolescents exhibit increased reward-seeking behavior due to changes in the brain's reward system. The striatum, a dopamine-rich area, becomes more sensitive to rewards during this developmental period.

adolescencebrain developmentreward
(2010)

Can Adolescents Learn Self-control? Delay of Gratification in the Development of Control over Risk Taking

This article explores whether the ability to delay gratification can control risky adolescent behaviors, even in highly sensation-seeking individuals. It also investigates if experiencing risky behavior can improve self-control.

TeenagersRisk taking Impulsivity RewardAdolescenceSensation seekingDelay of gratificationDelay discountingFuture time perspectiveSubstance use
(2010)

In re F.C. III

The PA Supreme Court upheld Act 53, letting parents petition for minors' involuntary drug treatment. The civil, therapeutic process, based on medical review, satisfied due process.

involuntary treatmentdue processjuvenile drug usedrug treatmemt
(2010)

Equal Employment Opportunity Comm'n v. Hussey Copper Ltd

Employers must individually assess methadone users' ability to perform jobs. A blanket denial violated the ADA, resulting in a settlement for the applicant.

methadonediscriminationADAdisabilityemployment lawreasonable accommodationdrug testing
(2010)

People v. Becker

The court upheld a murder conviction, finding the defendant's methamphetamine use was linked to the crime. Drug use did not establish a successful mental state defense in this case.

convictionmethamphetamine usemurderdrug usemental state defense
(2010)

Sanchez v. Aviva Life & Annuity Co.

The court allowed claims of conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty against Aviva to proceed. It dismissed a consumer law claim, ruling that insurance products are not covered.

fraudconspiracyPonzi schemebreach of fiduciary dutynegligencerecission
(2010)

People v. Mendez

A court found an 84-year-to-life sentence for a juvenile convicted of non-homicide crimes to be cruel and unusual punishment, violating both state and federal law. The sentence effectively denied parole until well past his life expectancy.

juvenile offenderde facto life sentenceEighth Amendmentcruel and unusual punishmentresentencingGraham v. Florida
(2010)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center, the Children's Law Center of Massachusetts, the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana, et. al., as Amici Curiae in Support of Defendant/Respondent

This case argues New Mexico's process for sentencing juveniles as adults is unconstitutional. It claims judges, not juries, decide if a child receives an adult sentence, violating the right to a jury trial.

Sixth Amendment (U.S.)right to a jury trialjuvenile court sentencingamenability hearingApprendi
(2010)