Project to End Juvenile Life Without Parole
The life without parole sentence condemns a juvenile to die in prison and violates international human rights standards of juvenile justice. The USF School of Law’s Human Rights in Criminal Sentencing Project has authored influential reports, law review articles, and amicus briefs on juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) cases and issues.
The projects research has been cited by courts across the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
The project also addresses de facto life without parole cases. Although not a JLWOP sentence, juveniles in the United States have been subject to extremely long sentences. Some of these sentences are for such long durations or terms, they amount to a life sentence without the possibility of release. These sentences contravene the United States’ treaty obligations, and the United States Supreme Court mandates under both Graham and Miller.
The projects major reports, articles, and law review articles are available for download below. We welcome your feedback, comments, or questions. Please contact Connie de la Vega at delavega@usfca.edu.
SENTENCING OUR CHILDREN TO DIE IN PRISON: GLOBAL LAW AND PRACTICE
The Frank C. Newman International Human Rights Clinic, University of San Francisco School of Law, in association with Human Rights Advocates (2007)
By Director of Human Rights Programs Michelle Leighton and Professor Connie de la Vega
REPORT ON HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS: SENTENCING OUR CHILDREN TO DIE IN PRISON
University of San Francisco Law Review (2008)
By Professor Connie de la Vega and Director of Human Rights Programs Michelle Leighton
Briefs
United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Amicus Brief
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Batzig
Superior Court of Pennsylvania, Brief for Appellant
Supreme Court of the United States, Amicus Brief
Graham and Sullivan v. Florida
Supreme Court of the United States, Amicus Brief
Graham and Sullivan v. Florida Response
Response to the 16 members of Congress
Supreme Court of California, Amicus Brief
Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs
Supreme Court of the United States, Amicus Brief
California v. Gutierrez
Supreme Court of California, Amicus Brief
Hill v. United States
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Amicus Brief