B.R. v. Garland (9th Circuit)

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The Art and Science of Urban Gun Violence Reduction: Evidence from the Advance Peace Program in Sacramento, California

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This article from Urban Science offers findings from a successful gun crime reduction program called Advance Peace Sacramento and also provides information on a model program for urban public safety for other jurisdictions to adopt. Abstract: “Urban gun violence is a critical human health and social justice issue. Strategies to reduce urban gun violence are…

Ending Endless Probation

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Letter of Amicus Curiae in Support of Petition for Review in People v. Flores

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Motion to Allow Reasonable and Effective Voir Dire on Issues of Race, Implicit Bias and Attitudes, Experiences and Biases Concerning African Americans

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Sample Motion to Suppress Statements

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A sample motion to suppress statements from California in the case of a 17-year old child who is an English Language Learner and special education student with processing disorders. The motion argues statements were made in violation of the 1) Fifth Amendment where the child client did not waive his Miranda rights knowingly, voluntarily, and…

The Future of Youth Justice: A Community-Based Alternative to the Youth Prison Model

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This paper from the Executive Session on Community Corrections at the Harvard Kennedy School examines the history of youth incarceration and discusses how the inherently flawed model of youth prisons demands systemic reforms, including closure of youth prisons, to actualize safer communities, and positive youth outcomes.  From the introduction:   “For 170 years, since our first youth correctional institution opened, America’s approach…

The Effects of Complex Trauma on Youth: Implications for School Discipline and Court-Involved Youth

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From the summary: “It is critical for judicial officers, attorneys, probation officers, child welfare, and other professionals who work with youth to be knowledgeable about the impact of trauma on children’s development and on their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. Understanding trauma and the potential impacts on children who come before the juvenile and family…

[California] G.F., W.B., and Q.G. v. Contra Costa County – U.S. Statement of Interest

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On February 13, 2014, the DOJ filed a Statement of Interest in a federal class action lawsuit on behalf of young people confined in the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall, alleging violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The DOJ reiterated that “Defendants (Contra Costa County) are required to provide special education and…

Juvenile Law Center et al. Amicus Brief, California v. Gutierrez

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This amicus brief by Juvenile Law Center and others argues California Penal Code 190.5(b) is unconstitutional because it presumes life without parole is the appropriate sentence for certain young people in adult court and it disregards Miller’s requirement of individualized sentencing. Furthermore, amici argue that a young person’s sentence must provide a “meaningful opportunity to…

Juvenile Law Center Amicus Brieft, California v. Moffett

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This amicus brief by Juvenile Law Center argues California’s Penal Code Sec. 190.5(b) is unconstitutional because it presumes life without parole is an appropriate sentence for [youth] and this presumption contravenes Miller’s requirement of individualized sentencing and that this type of sentence be uncommon for young people. Furthermore, amici argue any life without parole sentence…

[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: Second Amended Settlement Agreement 

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On December 12, 2010, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Los Angeles County and the United States regarding the Los Angeles County Probation Camps was amended a second time. The amended MOA recognizes that the County implemented significant reforms and achieved substantial compliance with all but four paragraphs of the MOA, and thus extends the…

[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: Settlement Agreement 

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On October 31, 2010, Los Angeles County entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the United States to address the DOJ’s investigation findings into the Los Angeles County Probation Camps. The MOA provisions include implementing new policies that govern the use of force, restricting the use of chemical sprays, creating a system of review…

[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: First Amended Settlement Agreement 

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On March 29, 2010, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Los Angeles County and the United States regarding the Los Angeles County Probation Camps was amended. The amended MOA includes language outlining that “The Monitor shall ensure that the subset of the Monitoring Team that participates in these visits has the requisite experience and expertise…

[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: Investigation 

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On October 31, 2008, the Department of Justice released their findings report after an investigation into the Los Angeles County Probation Camps (“the Camps”). The DOJ found that “[y]outh residing in Los Angeles County’s Camps are not adequately protected from harm . . . and the County fails to provide adequate suicide prevention and mental…

Cost-Effective Youth Corrections: Rationalizing the Fiscal Architecture of Juvenile Justice

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Reducing Racial Disparities in Juvenile Detention

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From the introduction: “In this Pathway we explore why youth of color are overrepresented in the juvenile detention system and review what has been done in some sites to reduce the number of minority youth in detention. Dealing with disparity in the use of detention has been one of the most challenging pieces of the…