JLC filed an amicus brief in Massachusetts opposing the imposition of a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (LWOP) on a 16-year-old boy (Powell) charged with murder. JLC argued that in light of Supreme Court precedent in Roper v. Simmons, the imposition of a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Powell is a disproportionate punishment under both the United States and Massachusetts Constitutions.