Children and the Law Posts

October 2020 Council Meeting Updates

At its meetings on October 13 and October 22-23, 2020, the Council reviewed and discussed Council Drafts of seven projects and approved drafts and portions of drafts.

Distinguishing ‘Incorrigibility’ From ‘Transient Immaturity’: Risk Assessment in the Context of Sentencing/Resentencing Evaluations for Juvenile Homicide Offenders

n two recent cases, the United States Supreme Court abolished mandatory juvenile life without parole (LWOP; Miller v. Alabama, 2012) and held that the ban applies retroactively (Montgomery v. Louisiana, 2016). Pointedly, the Court suggested that juveniles should only be sentenced to LWOP when they are ‘incorrigible’ or ‘irreparably corrupt.’

Native Youth Navigate Complex, Contradictory Jurisdictions

Unlike other children, Native American children can be tried and sentenced in tribal, state or federal justice systems. Once they make contact with the justice system, Native youth face unique complications that many don’t understand[.]

Juveniles in Criminal Proceedings

This paper is of a combined character; summary and research, as it contains comparisons and research in a critical way, so it includes content and important psychological aspects of criminal actions that lead the juvenile person to conflict with the law, including factors which directly or indirectly affect this category of society to be involved in criminal activity.

Law360 Article Reviews Juvenile Justice System in PA

An article for Law360 Access to Justice entitled “Wanted In Pennsylvania: A Fairer Justice System For Minors” examines Pennsylvania’s current juvenile justice system practices and the state’s plans for review and reform.