Abrams v. Fowler

SCSJ is challenging North Carolina’s parole system in federal court on behalf of Brett Abrams, who was sentenced to life in prison in 1983 at the age of 14 for a senseless and tragic crime. For the last 15 years, Abrams has been in minimum custody and on work release, successfully working in the community for at least 40 hours a week. He has not had any infraction in 17 years, has received his GED, and taken advantage of classes, therapeutic opportunities, and community enrichment options.

Despite his impressive prison record, Abrams has been repeatedly denied parole since 1993. The lawsuit challenges the Parole Commission’s process as being arbitrary and capricious, and failing to provide a meaningful opportunity for Abrams to receive parole as required under the Eighth Amendment.

In September 2025, a settlement was reached requiring the North Carolina Parole Commission to implement key changes to the parole review process for people sentenced in North Carolina as children. Moving forward, the Commission, among other things, will provide notice and guidance to parole-eligible juvenile offenders and direct them to gather critical records — including medical and mental health records — from prison, helping ensure individuals like Abrams have a meaningful opportunity to obtain parole based on demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation.