Resource Library

Topics

Filters

Resource Library

New to the Resource Library?

Learn how to navigate, search, and use our resources effectively.

How to use the Library

Hammermueller v. North American Company for Life and Health Insurance

An 82-year-old sued over unsuitable annuities. The appeals court reversed a jury award, finding no proof of actual financial loss.

benefitsinsurancedenialproper denialfraudfinancial losselder financial abuse
(2008)

In the matter of L.M.

The Kansas Supreme Court ruled juveniles do not have a right to a jury trial in delinquency cases. This affirmed the district court's denial of a jury trial for a 16-year-old charged with aggravated sexual battery.

juvenile justiceaggravated sexual batteryjuvenile offenderKansas Supreme Courtright to a jury trialsex offender registration
(2008)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of Appellant, O.K.

An amicus brief supports the argument that military commissions lack jurisdiction over minors because the law is silent on juvenile personal jurisdiction. It argues that federal law and social science support treating juveniles differently.

child soldiersinternational lawpersonal jurisdictionjuvenilesminorsadolescentsdevelopmental differencesyouthsoldier
(2008)

Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae In Support of Petitioner's Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law Based on His Juvenile Status

This brief argues that classifying a child soldier as an "enemy combatant" violates domestic and international law. It contends Omar Khadr, captured at age 15, was improperly denied age-appropriate care.

enemy combatchild soldierfalse confessionsinterrogationsinvoluntary confessionsdeath penaltydisabilitydiminished capacity
(2008)

Brief of Pacific Juvenile Defender Center et al. on Behalf of Appellant

The brief argues that juveniles who remain in juvenile court, but whose adjudications can be used as "strikes" in adult court, lose their right to a jury trial unconstitutionally.

developmental differencesdue processrehabilitationThree Strikes Lawfitness hearingrisk-taking
(2008)

Brief of the Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner

This brief argues that a 12-year-old sentenced to 30 years without parole in adult court was an uninformed and unfortunate decision. It suggests the juvenile system should have retained jurisdiction.

transfersyoung offendersnegative outcomesrecidivismjuvenile courtsadult courtscapacity for rehabilitationcognitive abilitydevelopmental limitationsimmaturitydecision-makingadolescent delinquencydevelopmental deficiencies
(2008)

A Social Neuroscience Perspective on Adolescent Risk-taking

Adolescents face significant public health threats from preventable, self-inflicted risks like accidents and substance use.

Risk-takingAdolescenceChildhoodAdultsPubertyRewardsControlPeer influenceBrain Development
(2008)

Adolescent development and the regulation of youth crime

(2008)

In re Fabian A

Connecticut courts must explain plea consequences to juveniles in an age-appropriate way. This ensures they understand potential penalties and commitment extensions before pleading guilty.

(2008)

Patterson v. Board of Trustees, State Police Retirement System

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that severe mental injuries can qualify for accidental disability benefits, but only if caused by a terrifying event that threatened physical safety or involved death or serious injury.

permanent mental injurypsychological stressortraumatic eventaccidental disability benefitsmental injurydisability benefitsaccidental disability
(2008)

Council v. State

The South Carolina Supreme Court granted a new penalty hearing. The Court found counsel ineffective for failing to present mitigating evidence of the defendant's mental health issues and traumatic past.

postconviction reliefnew penalty hearingineffective counselmitigating evidenceschizophreniabrain dysfunctiontraumatic upbringing
(2008)

Allen v. Bloomfield Hills Sch. Dist.

The court ruled PTSD can be a bodily injury with objective medical evidence of brain changes. Expert testimony connecting trauma to brain abnormalities was enough to proceed.

PTSDbodily injurymedical evidencephysical injuryexpert testimonytrauma-related brain abnormalities
(2008)

Erickson v. Pardus

The Supreme Court ruled a prisoner's claim of denied life-saving medical treatment for hepatitis C deserved a full hearing. This reinforced inmates' right to challenge prison medical care under the Eighth Amendment.

Eighth Amendmentprisoner rightsmedical careprison medical carehepatitis Cinmate healthcarecruel and unusual punishmentlife-saving treatment
(2007)

Childhood Psychiatric Disorders and Young Adult Crime: A Prospective, Population-Based Study

A study found that young adults with a history of psychiatric disorders as children or adolescents were more likely to commit crimes. This link was especially strong for specific combinations of disorders.

childhood psychiatric disorderscriminal behavioryoung adult offendersat-risk childrenconduct disorderpsychopathologyearly intervention
(2007)

Malone v. State

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals upheld a death sentence. It ruled that drug-induced psychosis did not meet the legal insanity threshold, despite evidence the defendant suffered from it.

capital punishmentlegal insanityinsanity defensemethamphetaminepsychosis
(2007)