Summary of Argument

Adolescence - the transitional period marked by the beginning of puberty and extending through the late teens and early 20s - is a period of immense change in decision-making capacities, characterized by a tendency to engage in risky activity.? Adolescents gravitate toward behaviors that deliver immediate rewards, and they are neurologically ill-equipped to consider the potential consequences of their decisions. This heightened preference for risk and immediate reward may manifest as criminal activity in some cases. Risky behavior, including crime, rises markedly during early adolescence, peaks in mid to late adolescence, and dramatically declines through the 20s.*

The neurological, behavioral, and environmental factors that distinguish adolescents from adults also have an important bearing on adolescents' culpability. The biologically driven behavioral tendencies that characterize adolescence provide critical context for criminal activity among juveniles and may help courts better understand adolescent motivations. Although adolescents should be held responsible for reckless behavior, excessive punishment is arbitrary and irrational given their unique stage of neurological development. This Brief focuses on the scientific and academic research demonstrating that adolescents are biologically and behaviorally distinct from adults, and it argues that these distinctions counsel against excessive punishment of William Palmer.

Several key research findings support this conclusion, each of which are discussed in turn. First, the adolescent brain is structurally and functionally unique in ways that emphasize rewards while overlooking risk. Second, these neurological developments comport with behavioral research on the age-related distribution of reckless behavior. Third, adolescents are particularly sensitive to environmental influences in ways that exacerbate the characteristics associated with their unique developmental stage. The research discussed in this Brief indicates that adolescents are more prone to reckless behavior and yet simultaneously more capable of change than their adult counterparts. As such, they are less criminally culpable and more malleable.

Mr. Palmer was 17 years old when he committed the crime at issue in this case. Therefore, the growing body of scientific study illuminating the unique developmental characteristics of adolescents is particularly relevant to an analysis of his criminal culpability and the propriety of his punishment. Because of the neurological, behavioral, and environmental distinctions that render adolescents less culpable than adults, Amicus respectfully submits that the judgment of the court below should be affirmed.

Summary of Argument

Adolescence, the transitional phase from puberty to early adulthood, is marked by significant changes in decision-making abilities. Adolescents exhibit a heightened propensity for risky behaviors, driven by neurological factors that prioritize immediate rewards over potential consequences. This tendency may manifest as criminal activity, with a peak in risky behavior during mid to late adolescence and a decline in the 20s.

The adolescent brain is distinct from the adult brain, with an emphasis on reward-seeking and a diminished capacity for risk assessment. This is due to the asynchronous development of the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as impulse control, and the limbic system, which processes emotions and rewards.

Behavioral research aligns with neurological findings, demonstrating that reckless behavior peaks during adolescence. Adolescents are more likely to engage in activities that provide immediate gratification, such as substance use, reckless driving, and criminal activity.

Adolescents are highly susceptible to environmental influences, which can exacerbate their risk-taking tendencies. Peer pressure, social media, and societal expectations can amplify the characteristics associated with their developmental stage.

The unique developmental characteristics of adolescents have implications for their criminal culpability. While they should be held accountable for their actions, excessive punishment is inappropriate given their diminished capacity for impulse control and risk assessment.

As William Palmer was 17 years old at the time of the crime, the scientific evidence on adolescent development is relevant to his culpability and sentencing. His neurological and behavioral immaturity suggests a reduced level of culpability and a greater potential for rehabilitation.

The research on adolescent decision-making indicates that they are both more prone to reckless behavior and more capable of change than adults. This warrants a nuanced approach to criminal justice, recognizing their diminished culpability and prioritizing rehabilitation over excessive punishment.

Summary of Argument

Adolescence, the period between puberty and early adulthood, is marked by significant changes in decision-making. Teenagers tend to prioritize immediate rewards and may struggle to fully consider the consequences of their actions. This can lead to risky behaviors, including criminal activity.

The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly in areas related to impulse control and risk assessment. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for these functions, is not fully mature until adulthood. As a result, adolescents may have difficulty inhibiting impulsive behaviors and weighing potential risks.

Research shows that risky behavior peaks during adolescence and declines in adulthood. This pattern aligns with the neurological changes occurring during this period. Adolescents are more likely to engage in activities that offer immediate gratification, even if they carry potential negative consequences.

Adolescents are highly susceptible to environmental influences, such as peer pressure and social norms. These factors can amplify the developmental characteristics that make them more prone to risky behavior.

The unique developmental stage of adolescents should be considered when assessing their criminal culpability. While they should be held accountable for their actions, excessive punishment is inappropriate given their diminished capacity for mature decision-making.

Scientific evidence suggests that adolescents are neurologically, behaviorally, and environmentally distinct from adults. These distinctions indicate that they are less culpable for their actions and more capable of rehabilitation. Therefore, it is important to approach juvenile justice with an understanding of the developmental factors that influence adolescent behavior.

Summary of Argument

During the teenage years, big changes occur in how decisions are made and how risks are taken. There might be a greater tendency to seek out exciting experiences. This happens because the brain is still developing.

The teenage brain is like a construction zone, constantly changing and growing. This development makes it more likely to focus on rewards and less likely to consider the consequences. As a result, teenagers are more prone to engage in risky behaviors, including breaking the law. This doesn't mean all teenagers are criminals, but they may make impulsive decisions without thinking about the long-term effects.

Even though teen brains are still developing, responsibility for actions remains important. However, it's crucial to remember that their brains function differently from adult brains. This means teenagers might struggle to fully understand the consequences of their actions or control their impulses.

For teenagers who have made mistakes, it's important to recognize that their brains were still under construction. This doesn't excuse the behavior but helps explain why certain choices were made. It's also a reason why second chances are deserved.

Summary of Argument

When people grow from a kid into a teenager, their bodies and brains change a lot. These changes make teens more likely to do things that are risky or dangerous.

The Teen Brain

The teenage brain is still growing and changing. The part of the brain that helps you think about the future and control your actions isn't fully developed yet. At the same time, the part of the brain that makes you feel good when you do something exciting is very active.

Risky Behavior

Because of these brain changes, teens are more likely to do things that give them a quick reward, even if those things are dangerous. They might try drugs, drive too fast, or even commit crimes.

Why Teens Are Different

These brain changes also mean that teens should not be punished as harshly as adults for their actions. They are still learning and growing, and their brains are not yet able to fully understand the consequences of their choices.

A Real-Life Example

There was a 17-year-old boy named William Palmer who committed a crime. Because he was a teenager, his brain was still developing. This means that he was less able to control his actions and understand the consequences of his choices than an adult would have been.