JLC promotes and protects the rights of children through the strategic use of litigation. We initiate and join in lawsuits that aim to expand procedural safeguards to protect juveniles involved with the courts and detention systems. We use litigation to reform laws, practices and procedures that fail to achieve the best possible outcomes for young offenders. JLC engages in both direct representation and joins in litigation as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in cases that will have a major impact on the rights of youth. Cases are pursued at all levels in both the federal and state court systems. Our participation in litigation helps ensure that decisions about children are informed by the most up-to-date and informed thinking on the rights and best interests of children.
Featured: Luzerne County Juvenile Court Investigation
In early 2007, Juvenile Law Center attorneys began to investigate irregularities in Luzerne County, as they heard from youth who were found guilty in the County juvenile court. Juvenile Law Center found that hundreds of youth had been tried, convicted and, in many cases, placed in residential programs—all without the benefit of counsel.
In April, 2008, Juvenile Law Center filed an application with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, asking it to provide relief for those youth. The Court denied the application on January 8, 2009, but reconsidered—in response to Juvenile Law Center’s pleadings of January 29—in the wake of the disclosure that two Luzerne County judges had been involved in a pattern of corruption.
FOR MORE
JLC’s Luzerne County Update Center—the latest news, media, and resources, and documents surrounding the juvenile court injustice.
Luzerne County Court House. Photo by Cresny.
Types of Litigation We Use
Friend of the Court
Amicus Curiae
JLC promotes the legal interests of children by authoring and filing amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs in state and federal appellate courts. JLC files its own briefs and participates as co-amici in cases of particular importance. In recent years, JLC has filed briefs in numerous state appellate courts, federal courts of appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Promoting Justice
Direct Litigation
JLC serves as lead counsel or co-counsel in state and federal cases at the trial or appellate level, to promote and protect the rights and interests of children. We believe that justice can be promoted by procedural safeguards, which help ensure that decisions about children are better informed, more accurate and most appropriate.
