Law School Case Briefs
Start by searching for a case name or citation above.
Discover a Random Brief
MANDULEY v. SUPERIOR COURT
Supreme Court of California (2002) | 117 Cal.Rptr.2d 168; 41 P.3d 3; 27 Cal.4th 537
TL;DR: The California Supreme Court upheld a voter initiative (Proposition 21) allowing prosecutors to file charges against certain minors directly in adult criminal court, finding this exercise of prosecutorial discretion does not violate the separation of powers, due process, or equal protection clauses.
Legal Significance: The case affirms that prosecutorial discretion in charging, even when it dictates the sentencing scheme (juvenile vs. adult), is a valid executive function that does not usurp judicial power, so long as the decision is made before judicial proceedings commence.