After the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions holding mandatory life without parole sentences for youthful offenders unconstitutional, the Missouri Supreme Court denied resentencing hearings for impacted youthful offenders.
Instead, it left them to rely on the Parole Board, where inmates are not allowed to review information in their files and counsel are not allowed to correct factual mistakes.
But, as a matter of law, youthful offenders are entitled to a meaningful opportunity for release based on demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation.
The MacArthur Justice Center filed a federal class action challenging the Parole Board’s demonstrated abuse of power, disregard for due process and failure to comply with state and federal law when it comes to youthful offenders previously given mandatory life without parole sentences.
MEET OUR CLIENTS
Case Developments
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Fight Continues —
The court granted the State’s petition for rehearing en banc which is scheduled for January 11, 2022.
November 18, 2021 -
Appeal Decision —
The Eighth Circuit affirmed the district court’s finding that the parole board’s standard practices violate our clients’ Eighth Amendment rights.
September 17, 2021 -
Ron Clements Released After Over 32 Years in Prison —
Ron Clements served over 32 years in prison before he was released in February 2021 and returned to live with his family.
February 11, 2021 -
Sidney Roberts Released After 31 Years in Prison —
Sidney Roberts returned home after serving just over 31 years in prison.
February 11, 2021 -
Kevin Bradshaw Released After Almost 34 Years in Prison —
Kevin Bradshaw served 33 years and 11 months in prison before he was released in September 2020 and returned to live with his family.
September 18, 2020 -
Chris Polk Released After 26 Years in Prison —
Chris Polk returned home after serving 26 years and 3 months in prison.
September 11, 2020 -
Federal Court Issues Order to Overhaul Missouri Parole Board’s Unconstitutional Treatment of Youthful Offenders —
Federal court issued a declaratory and injunctive relief order detailing over 20 demands to the Missouri Parole Board for how to handle the process for individuals serving juvenile life without parole sentences.
August 8, 2019 -
Federal Court Rules Missouri Parole Board Ignores U.S. Supreme Court Rulings Protecting the Rights of Youth Given Mandatory Life Sentences —
U.S. District Judge Nanette K. Laughrey for the Western District of Missouri issued an order giving the Missouri Parole Board 60 days to present a plan to bring the state into compliance with state and federal law.
October 13, 2018 -
Class Action Certified —
The Court certified a class of plaintiffs consisting of individuals in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections who were sentenced to life without parole under a mandatory sentencing scheme and who were under 18 years of age at the time of the offense.
Trial is set for November 2018.
June 25, 2018
Press Releases
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September 20, 2021
Federal Court of Appeals Affirms Unconstitutionality of Missouri’s Parole Process for Youthful Offenders Previously Sentenced to Life
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August 8, 2019
Federal Court Issues Order to Overhaul Missouri Parole Board’s Unconstitutional Treatment of Youthful Offenders
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October 13, 2018
Federal Court Rules Missouri Parole Board Ignores U.S. Supreme Court Rulings Protecting the Rights of Youth Given Mandatory Life Sentences
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November 15, 2017
Court Moves Forward Class Action Challenging Unjust Parole Process for Missouri Juveniles Previously Sentenced to Death Behind Bars
Key Documents
- Second Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief - 11/01/17
- Order Denying Defendants' Motion to Dismiss - 10/31/17
- Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification - 06/25/18
- Ruling
- Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Order - 08/08/19
- Brief of Appellants - 12/16/19
- Brief of Appellees/Cross Appellants - 02/13/20
- Amicus Brief (Juvenile Law Center et al.) - 02/21/20
- Amicus Brief (NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.) - 02/21/20
- Amicus Brief (Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth) - 02/24/20
- Amicus Brief (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, et al.) - 02/24/20
- Prosecutors, et al. Amicus Brief
- NAPD Amicus Brief
- Opinion (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit) - 09/17/21
Related Cases
Press Releases
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September 20, 2021
Federal Court of Appeals Affirms Unconstitutionality of Missouri’s Parole Process for Youthful Offenders Previously Sentenced to Life
-
August 8, 2019
Federal Court Issues Order to Overhaul Missouri Parole Board’s Unconstitutional Treatment of Youthful Offenders
-
October 13, 2018
Federal Court Rules Missouri Parole Board Ignores U.S. Supreme Court Rulings Protecting the Rights of Youth Given Mandatory Life Sentences
-
November 15, 2017
Court Moves Forward Class Action Challenging Unjust Parole Process for Missouri Juveniles Previously Sentenced to Death Behind Bars
In the News
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Missouri’s parole process for youth sentenced to life is unconstitutional, court says
The Kansas City Star September 17, 2021 -
Friday: Sentenced To Life As Juveniles, St. Louis Men See Freedom After Decades In Prison
St. Louis Public Radio November 11, 2020 -
Federal judge orders overhaul of Missouri’s treatment of juveniles
St. Louis American August 8, 2019 -
Missouri Parole Board is ignoring court rulings for juveniles serving life terms, class action suit says
St. Louis Post-Dispatch June 25, 2018