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Palakovic v. Wetzel

The Third Circuit ruled prison officials can be liable under the Eighth Amendment for prolonged solitary confinement of mentally ill inmates, citing evidence that it can cause mental harm.

prison officials8th Amendmentmentally ill inmateprolonged solitarylong-term isolationmental harm
(2017)

Williams v. Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

The court ruled that holding inmates in solitary confinement after their death sentences are overturned may violate due process, citing research on the harm of isolation.

death-row solitarydeath sentences vacateddue process rightsmental harmsisolation
(2017)

If I’m Certain, Is It True? Accuracy and Confidence in Eyewitness Memory

A new study finds that eyewitness confidence strongly relates to accuracy under ideal conditions. However, when conditions are not ideal, accuracy, even with high confidence, is significantly compromised.

(2017)

Eavesdropping on Memory

The author, a scientist, details her experiences receiving both vitriolic and grateful emails regarding her work on memory. She also recounts a childhood marked by her mother's death and a house fire, influencing her later career.

memoryfalse memoryeyewitness testimonyautobiography
(2017)

Trauma is a Public Health Issue

Exposure to trauma is widespread globally, impacting individuals and societies.

traumapublic healthpreventionpolicymental healthearly interventiontraumatic stressdisaster
(2017)

The Social Determinants of Refugee Mental Health in the Post-Migration Context: A Critical Review

A record 65.6 million people were forcibly displaced in 2016. While refugees often experience mental health issues, many recover within a year if resettled into supportive environments.

common mental disordershealth disparitiesrefugeesocial determinantsincome inequality
(2017)

Mental Health for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Displaced Persons: A Call for a Humanitarian Agenda

Millions of people are forcibly displaced globally, often facing mental health challenges and poor access to care. Receiving countries exhibit varied responses, impacting displaced persons' well-being and integration.

refugeesasylum seekersmental healthdisplacementtraumahumanitarian response
(2017)

Russell v. State

The AR Supreme Court rejected ineffective assistance claims. The court held that expert testimony about trauma and mental illness was considered, despite disagreements over PTSD evaluation validity.

ineffective assistance claimsexpert testimonytraumamental illnessPTSD evaluationsscientific validity
(2017)

Testifying About Trauma: A Call for Science and Civility

The article finds that focusing on a PTSD diagnosis in legal cases can hinder understanding the true impact of trauma. It suggests trauma-informed evaluations are a more ethical approach than strictly adhering to diagnostic labels.

TraumaPTSDExpert WitnessLegal ProceedingsDiagnostic CriteriaTrauma-Informed CarePersonal NarrativeDSM-5Psychic TraumaForensic Context
(2017)

An Integrated Neuroscience Perspective on Formulation and Treatment Planning for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Educational Review

PTSD, first diagnosed in 1980, describes lasting difficulty recovering from trauma. It is caused by the brain's learned fear responses, where neutral cues become triggers for distress and avoidance.

PTSDTraumaFear ConditioningNeurobiologyEpigeneticsMemory ReconsolidationDysregulated CircuitsGeneticsPsychotherapyStress Response
(2017)

Mental Health and Trauma in Asylum Seekers Landing in Sicily in 2015: a Descriptive Study of Neglected Invisible Wounds

Forcibly displaced individuals, including asylum seekers in Italy, often face significant mental health challenges due to trauma and post-migration stress. Access to mental health care is limited for these vulnerable populations.

asylum seekersmental healthPTSDdepressiontraumamigrationItaly
(2017)

Commonwealth v. Henry

The SJC ruled judges must consider a defendant's ability to pay restitution and cannot extend probation due to poverty. This reasoning has been used to challenge mandatory abstinence conditions.

restitutionprobationpovertyindigent defendantsprobation conditions
(2016)

A Neuroscience Perspective on Sexual Risk Behavior in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Young people (15-24) account for 50% of new STIs and have high rates of unintended pregnancies. This is linked to low condom use and multiple partners, and "heat of the moment" decisions despite knowing risks.

TeenagersYoung adultsRisky sexual behaviorsThreatsRewardsDecision-makingControlRisk-taking
(2016)

Marshall v. Eyecare Specialties, P.C. of Lincoln

The Nebraska Supreme Court found alcoholism can be a disability under state law. However, the employee's firing was upheld, as it was due to performance, not her addiction.

alcoholismdisabilityemployerfiredaddictionperformance issuesemployee
(2016)

Williams v. State

A 17-year-old convicted of felony murder appealed his life sentence with parole. A court ruled he deserves a hearing to determine if his parole date effectively creates a life without parole sentence.

juvenile offenderlife sentenceparole eligibilityAtwell v. StateHorsley v. StateMiller v. Alabamade facto sentence of life without parole
(2016)