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Kimbrough v. US
The Supreme Court ruled that judges can consider the sentencing differences between crack and powder cocaine when applying advisory guidelines.
Abdul-Kabir v. Quarterman
The Supreme Court overturned a death sentence because Texas jury instructions prevented full consideration of the defendant's troubled childhood and mental health. Jurors must be allowed to weigh all relevant mitigating evidence.
State v. Monteiro
Rhode Island's "Mario's Law" makes those sentenced before age 22 eligible for parole after 20 years. The State argues it excludes people with multiple consecutive sentences and violates separation of powers.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center and National Juvenile Defender Center as Amici Curiae in Support of the Defendant-Appellant
This brief argues that a jury should consider a 16-year-old defendant's age as a standalone factor when evaluating a duress defense. The lower court erred by limiting age's relevance to only a comparison with the coercers' ages.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center in support of Omar Khadr
Amici argue military commissions cannot prosecute minors due to absent jurisdiction rules and lack of distinct processes for youth. Federal law and science show adolescents differ from adults, making them less culpable.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center and National Juvenile Defender Center as Amici Curiae in Support of the Defendant-Appellant
The brief argues that a jury should consider a defendant's young age when evaluating a duress defense. Current law and developmental research support that age is a categorical factor, not just relative to coercers.
New Directions Treatment Services v. City of Reading
The court reaffirmed drug addiction as a disability only if not currently using, while striking down discriminatory zoning against methadone clinics.
Grisham v. Philip Morris USA, Inc.
The court ruled a smoker's fraud and negligence claims against tobacco companies were not time-barred. This was because her nicotine addiction's delayed discovery impacted the statute of limitations.
Sociometric Status and Social Drinking: Observations of Modelling and Persuasion in Young Adult Peer Groups
This study explores how a person's social standing within a peer group affects their drinking habits. It suggests that popular or dominant group members may have a stronger influence on others' alcohol consumption.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbidity in Detained Youth
Many youths in detention have psychiatric disorders, with PTSD affecting at least one in ten. This study found nearly all detained youth with PTSD also had other psychiatric disorders, which negatively impacts their prognosis and treatment.
Rational Choice and Developmental Influences on Recidivism Among Adolescent Felony Offenders
Adolescence is a time of increased risk for crime and antisocial behaviors. Research on legal socialization and deterrence reveals how developmental factors influence these behaviors.
In re C.S.
The Ohio Supreme Court held that juveniles can only waive their right to a lawyer if a parent or guardian advises them and they fully understand the consequences. This ruling emphasizes fairness and due process for minors.
Ryder v. USAA Gen. Indem. Co.
The court ruled severe emotional trauma is a bodily injury under insurance if it's a diagnosable mental illness. Serious psychological harm can trigger policy coverage.
People v. LeGrand
The NY high court ruled it is an abuse of discretion to exclude expert testimony on eyewitness identification when a case relies solely on such identifications.
State v. Copeland
The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that expert testimony on eyewitness identification may be allowed to help juries, overturning a previous ban. A new trial was ordered because excluding the expert was not harmless.