Marsha Levick, influential in reforming juvenile justice, resigns from the Juvenile Law Center.

Marsha Levick, a prominent figure in juvenile justice reform, has recently concluded her tenure as chief legal officer at the Juvenile Law Center, a Philadelphia-based organization she helped establish in 1975. Her departure marks a significant milestone in a career spanning five decades, during which she has fundamentally transformed the landscape of how the justice system treats young individuals.

Levick was instrumental in advocating for the adoption of principles rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a treaty that emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing a child’s best interests. Although ratified by all but one of the United Nations member nations, the United States remains an outlier, permitting the prosecution of children as young as seven. In contrast, many countries prevent children under the age of 14 from facing criminal charges at all.

Throughout her career, Levick has been a persistent advocate for children’s legal rights, leading major legal reforms that have changed how courts perceive minors. She played a pivotal role in landmark decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court that limited the harshest penalties for juveniles, including the death penalty and life imprisonment without parole. Her insights, particularly regarding youth development, have significantly influenced constitutional law surrounding juvenile offenses.

As the Juvenile Law Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, Levick’s influence is palpable. Her leadership was recently acknowledged at a gala where she received an award recognizing her commitment to children’s rights. During her time at the center, Levick has represented countless young individuals and has led important litigation efforts that dismantled abusive practices within juvenile detention facilities.

Amid these successes, Levick expresses concerns over the current state of civil liberties in America, describing it as a “dark moment” marked by challenges to rights previously secured. The erosion of established liberties, which occurred in the wake of the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, has exacerbated her sense of urgency in advocating for juvenile justice reform.

Levick’s legacy is reflected not only in the core mission of her organization but also in the individuals she has represented, many of whom have benefitted from resentencing or release as a result of her efforts. Hundreds of juveniles, including nearly 500 in Pennsylvania alone, have seen their sentences modified due to changes in the law that she championed.

Looking ahead, Levick plans to take on a new role as the Phyllis Beck chair at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, where she will teach constitutional law to first-year students. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal advocates remains unwavering, as she aims to continue shaping the dialogue around juvenile justice. Levick’s extensive background in law and her influence on numerous landmark cases position her as a guiding force in the ongoing struggle for the rights of youth within the American legal system.

As she embarks on this new chapter, Levick remains hopeful that radical transformation in juvenile justice is achievable, emphasizing the need for sustained community engagement and advocacy from those in power to create lasting change.