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Commonwealth v. Machicote
The court ruled a juvenile’s 30-years-to-life sentence violated Eighth Amendment rights by not adequately considering youth factors. The defendant committed murder as a juvenile.
U.S. v. Sparks
The Fifth Circuit affirmed a 35-year sentence for crimes committed at age sixteen. The Court held this sentence did not violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against life without parole for juveniles.
State v. Shanahan
The Idaho Supreme Court ruled a juvenile offender's long fixed-term, indeterminate life sentence was not a de facto life sentence. This meant it did not violate the Eighth Amendment under Miller v. Alabama.
Neuroscientific evidence in the courtroom: A review
Neuroscientific evidence can mitigate legal decisions, but brain imaging does not hold special persuasive power. The findings offer insights for scientists, legal scholars, judges, and jurors.
People v. Raybon
The court ruled that Proposition 64 did not legalize cannabis possession in prison. Possession of cannabis in prison remains a felony offense.
People v. Perry
The court ruled Proposition 64 did not legalize cannabis possession in prison. Inmate possession remains a felony, unaffected by civilian decriminalization.
Experience During Adolescence Shapes Brain Development: from Synapses and Networks to Normal and Pathological Behavior
The human brain's ability to change, called plasticity, helps it adapt to new experiences and environments. This adaptation involves altering connections between brain cells, with certain periods being more sensitive to these changes.
Exposure to Violence Affects the Development of Moral Impressions and Trust Behavior in Incarcerated Males
Exposure to violence impacts how individuals learn about others' harmfulness and form trust. Findings suggest that those with high violence exposure are slower to learn about others' harmfulness and are more trusting.
Image Processing and Analysis Methods for the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study
The ABCD Study is the largest project investigating brain development and adolescent health. It collects extensive data, including multimodal brain imaging, to understand factors influencing physical and mental health outcomes.
Impact of Family and Friends on Antisocial Adolescent Behavior: The Mediating Role of Impulsivity and Empathy
Adolescent antisocial behavior, which can persist into adulthood, is influenced by personality traits and environmental factors. Family and friends impact these behaviors, with impulsivity and empathy modulating their effects.
Social Influence in Adolescent Decision-Making: A Formal Framework
The article proposes a quantitative framework to understand how peers influence adolescent decision-making.
Teenage Brain Development: Its Impact on Criminal Activity and Trial Sentencing
Teenagers' brains are still developing, making them prone to impulsive decisions and risky behavior, unlike fully matured adult brains. This impacts their reasoning and understanding of consequences when facing tough choices.
The Neural Development of Prosocial Behavior from Childhood to Adolescence
This study used brain imaging to examine how prosocial behavior changes from childhood to adolescence. It found that early adolescence may be a key period for developing these behaviors.
Reward, Control & Decision-Making in Cannabis Use Disorder: Insights from Functional MRI
Cannabis use disorder involves problematic cannabis use causing distress or impairment for at least 12 months. Symptoms include craving, withdrawal, and failing obligations. It can lead to mental health issues and brain changes.
Molecular Imaging of Opioid and Dopamine Systems: Insights Into the Pharmacogenetics of Opioid Use Disorders
Opioid use and overdose deaths have increased, leading to a public health emergency. Research explores genetic and brain factors related to opioid use disorder.