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People v. Mitchell
The court acknowledged childhood trauma and adolescent brain development but upheld adult prosecution. Evidence of trauma was relevant but did not outweigh public safety concerns.
State v. Browder
The Hawaii Supreme Court vacated a sexual assault conviction. Prosecutors cannot describe a witness as "traumatized" without expert testimony because the term has a specific psychological meaning.
State v. Schueller
New therapies for PTSD may justify reconsidering a veteran's sentence. The court found that new scientific understanding can undermine previous sentencing assumptions about the condition.
From Social Isolation to Social Justice: The Neuroscience of Solitary Confinement
Sensory and social deprivation, like that experienced in solitary confinement, significantly harms mental health. Research shows this can induce psychotic symptoms and alter brain function, underscoring the severe impact of isolation.
Smaller total and subregional cerebellar volumes in posttraumatic stress disorder: a mega-analysis by the ENIGMA-PGC PTSD workgroup
Trauma survivors with PTSD often have smaller volumes in certain brain regions, including the cerebellum. This smaller cerebellar volume may contribute to PTSD symptoms by disrupting stress responses and emotional processing.
Neurobiology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Most people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD. While symptoms often lessen over time, about one-third of those initially diagnosed with PTSD will experience chronic symptoms.
The Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Practice in Youth Justice: An Umbrella Review
Youth justice services are exploring trauma-informed practices to improve outcomes for young people and enhance community safety. This approach aims to reduce harm and re-traumatization by addressing past maltreatment and adversity.
Sensory Alterations in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This article reviews how altered sensory processing is linked to PTSD symptoms and discusses structural and functional brain differences associated with the disorder. It highlights recent findings and therapies based on this understanding.
Genome-Wide Association Analyses Identify 95 Risk Loci and Provide Insights Into the Neurobiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a complex condition with genetic links. Recent research identifies 81 genetic risk locations, highlighting the need for larger studies across diverse populations to improve understanding and treatment.
Commonwealth v. Gaines
The court ordered a new trial due to new scientific understanding of eyewitness memory and previously hidden evidence. This information suggests the original conviction may have been flawed.
People v. Vaughn
The court held that trial judges have discretion over expert testimony on eyewitness identification. It affirmed limiting the expert's testimony to only the cross-race effect due to an untimely defense request.
People v. Jones
The court ruled a nurse examiner's expert testimony on memory was admissible. Her experience with sexual assault cases qualified her to testify on the topic.
Large‐scale investigation of white matter structural differences in bilingual and monolingual children: An adolescent brain cognitive development data study
This study examines how speaking two languages impacts brain structure in school-aged children. Research increasingly shows that bilingual adults have unique brain alterations compared to those who speak only one language.
State v. Galloway
The court upheld excluding expert testimony on false memories. The expert did not evaluate the witness or link the science to her situation, potentially confusing the jury.
United States v. Villanueva
The court found due process did not require excluding a Facebook photo identification since law enforcement did not arrange it, and upheld the exclusion of expert testimony on eyewitness reliability.