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Bear Cloud v. State
A juvenile convicted of murder received a new sentence of life with parole after 25 years. The Wyoming Supreme Court found this consecutive sentence equaled life without parole and sent it back for review due to Miller v. Alabama.
Aiken v. Byars
The court ruled that juveniles sentenced to life without parole are entitled to resentencing. This aligns with the principle that juvenile brains are not fully developed, warranting a different approach to punishment.
State v Lyle
The Iowa Supreme Court found mandatory minimum sentences for juvenile offenders unconstitutional under the state's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. The Court emphasized individualized sentencing for juveniles.
People v. Chavez
The California Court of Appeal ruled that two juveniles sentenced to life without parole for murder deserve new sentencing consideration based on their ages at the time of the crime.
Suicidality, Bullying and Other Conduct and Mental Health Correlates of Traumatic Brain Injury in Adolescents
Each year, over 500,000 North American youth experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring hospital care. These injuries are linked to long-term cognitive, emotional, and social burdens.
Addressing Trauma and Psychosocial Development in Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth: A Synthesis of the Developmental Neuroscience, Juvenile Justice and Trauma Literature
Youth in the juvenile justice system often face significant childhood trauma. This exposure is much higher than in the general population and increases risks for violence, delinquency, and self-harm.
Kosilek v. Spencer
The court ruled a serious medical need can be a future harm risk, but found no indifference as staff reasonably offered alternative care.
Alvarado v. Westchester County
The court partly upheld claims from Westchester inmates alleging forced cold-turkey heroin withdrawal without medication violated their rights. Claims against Smithson and the Monell claim can proceed.
Phasic Dopamine Neuron Activity Elicits Unique Mesofrontal Plasticity in Adolescence
Phasic dopamine neuron activity creates lasting structural and functional changes in the mesofrontal circuit of adolescent mice, but not in adult mice. This suggests greater brain plasticity during adolescence.
Sharing and Giving Across Adolescence: an Experimental Study Examining the Development of Prosocial Behavior
This paper examines how children's sharing and giving behaviors develop when interacting with peers. It focuses on fairness and trust in social decisions.
Socioeconomic Status and Structural Brain Development
This review explores how socioeconomic status impacts brain development. Lower socioeconomic status is linked to differences in brain structure, possibly due to less stimulation and increased stress during childhood.
Is Adolescence a Sensitive Period for Sociocultural Processing?
Adolescence is a sensitive period where peer acceptance strongly influences self-worth and behavior. Social exclusion during this time can significantly impact mood and heighten anxiety.
The Role of the Anterior Insula in Adolescent Decision Making
Adolescents take more risks due to brain changes during puberty. Reward-seeking brain areas develop faster than self-control areas, leading to increased risk-taking behaviors.
Teens Impulsively React Rather Than Retreat from Threat
Adolescents show poorer self-control than children and adults when faced with potential threats. Their brains exhibit unique activity patterns, impacting their behavior in emotionally charged situations.
The Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in the Lives of Juvenile Offenders
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common and have a powerful, cumulative effect on human development. High ACE scores are linked to chronic diseases and other negative health, educational, and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.