Posts in 'Direct Representation'

Argued that sentences of life without parole for juveniles convicted of homicide are unconstitutional.

Juvenile Law Center and two private attorneys filed a brief on behalf of an eleven-year-old charged with the murder of his stepmother. The brief argued that the trial court’s interpretation of the transfer statute requiring the juvenile’s confession at the pre-adjudicatory decertification hearing in order to demonstrate his ability to be rehabilitated in the juvenile system was in violation of his right against self-incrimination and rights to due process and fundamental fairness under both the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions.

Filed a civil rights suit against the detention center for violating the substantive due process rights of a 13-year-old boy with serious mental health problems by failing to protect him from harm while being detained at the center.

Filed an appeal to overturn the delinquency adjudication based on the classroom conduct of an 11-year-old with a neurological disability.

Challenged the lack of due process procedures when a county revoked a juvenile’s probation.

Challenged the legality of Pennsylvania’s system of providing health care to poor children eligible for Medical Assistance.

Brought a Section 1983 civil rights damage action on behalf of a foster youth who had been in foster care for three and a half years without any judicial review and without the provision of services to help him return home to his family by the county child welfare agency.

Represented Pennsylvania children in challenging the way the state implemented the funding formula that paid for services for delinquent and dependent children.

This appeal raised a question of first impression: Is a juvenile entitled to request a jury trial in juvenile court when 1) the protective features of the juvenile court have been largely eliminated by statutory amendments, and, 2) a delinquency adjudication would lead to automatic adult status upon a next arrest? The Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed the denial of the right to a jury trial.

Challenged the court’s finding that an autistic juvenile was competent to stand trial and that there was sufficient grounds to adjudicate the juvenile delinquent based on resisting arrest and related charges.