Juvenile Law Center et al. Amicus Brief, Miller v. Alabama

This amici brief prepared by the Juvenile Law Center et al. highlights the particular characteristics of adolescent development and youth that make juvenile life without parole sentences unconstitutional and in violation of the 8th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The brief addresses youth’s culpability, potential for change, and risk taking behavior compared to adults as well as their particular vulnerability to wrongful conviction.

As stated in their brief: “Amici are advocates and researchers who have a wealth of experience and expertise in providing for the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of youth in the child welfare and justice systems. Amici know that youth who enter these systems need extra protection and special care. Amici understand from their collective experience that adolescent immaturity manifests itself in ways that implicate culpability, including diminished ability to assess risks, make good decisions, and control impulses. Amici also know that a core characteristic of adolescence is the capacity to change and mature. For these reasons, Amici believe that youth status separates juvenile and adult offenders in categorical and distinct ways that warrant distinct treatment under the Eighth Amendment.”