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State v. Stewart
The court reversed a murder conviction, ruling that evidence of decades of abuse was relevant. Cumulative trauma can impact reasoning and intent, affecting premeditation and malice.
New Jersey v. Henderson
The NJ Supreme Court revised the state's eyewitness identification rules based on memory science. This expands pretrial reviews and requires stronger jury instructions on reliability.
State v. Obeta
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that expert testimony about typical rape-victim behaviors can be used to counter consent defenses, as such evidence is not automatically excluded.
Langford v. Norris
The court allowed inmates' claims to proceed, finding officials were indifferent to inadequate care and a grievance system that blocked access to treatment.
Commonwealth v. Canadyan
The court overturned a probation violation for not wearing GPS. It ruled punishment cannot be based on circumstances beyond one's control, like homelessness.
Adolescent Brain Development and the Risk for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, including the growth of areas linked to complex thinking and emotions. These developmental changes also make the adolescent brain more vulnerable to environmental influences.
Adolescent Development of the Reward System
Adolescents exhibit increased reward-seeking behavior due to changes in the brain's reward system. The striatum, a dopamine-rich area, becomes more sensitive to rewards during this developmental period.
Can Adolescents Learn Self-control? Delay of Gratification in the Development of Control over Risk Taking
This article explores whether the ability to delay gratification can control risky adolescent behaviors, even in highly sensation-seeking individuals. It also investigates if experiencing risky behavior can improve self-control.
In re F.C. III
The PA Supreme Court upheld Act 53, letting parents petition for minors' involuntary drug treatment. The civil, therapeutic process, based on medical review, satisfied due process.
Equal Employment Opportunity Comm'n v. Hussey Copper Ltd
Employers must individually assess methadone users' ability to perform jobs. A blanket denial violated the ADA, resulting in a settlement for the applicant.
People v. Becker
The court upheld a murder conviction, finding the defendant's methamphetamine use was linked to the crime. Drug use did not establish a successful mental state defense in this case.
Sanchez v. Aviva Life & Annuity Co.
The court allowed claims of conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty against Aviva to proceed. It dismissed a consumer law claim, ruling that insurance products are not covered.
People v. Mendez
A court found an 84-year-to-life sentence for a juvenile convicted of non-homicide crimes to be cruel and unusual punishment, violating both state and federal law. The sentence effectively denied parole until well past his life expectancy.
Verducci v. Coda
Heirs sued a financial advisor over $115K losses from bad tax advice. The court ruled the arbitration clause did not apply, as the claims fell outside the brokerage agreements.
RHJ Medical Center, Inc. v. City of DuBois
The court ruled the city violated disability laws by using zoning rules to block a methadone clinic. This action discriminated against individuals with protected disabilities.