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Brief of Juvenile Law Center and the National Juvenile Defender Center as Amici Curiae in Support of Petition for a Writ of Certiorari
This brief argues that sentencing a child to prison for over 100 years for non-homicide crimes is unconstitutional. It asserts that children must have a meaningful chance for release, even if not labeled "life without parole."
Brief of Amici Curiae J. Lawrence Aber et Al., in Support of Petitioners
Adolescents' developing brains make them less culpable than adults and capable of change. Life without parole for adolescent homicide offenses is therefore unfair and unconstitutional.
Brief for the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, and National Association of Social Workers as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioners
This brief argues that scientific research on juvenile brain development supports extending a ban on life sentences for non-homicide juvenile offenses to all juvenile crimes. It asserts that juveniles are less culpable than adults.
Heritability and Longitudinal Stability of Impulsivity in Adolescence
Impulsivity is a personality trait linked to various mental health conditions and antisocial behaviors in both children and adults.
Striatum–medial Prefrontal Cortex Connectivity Predicts Developmental Changes in Reinforcement Learning
The study found that learning from feedback improves with age. This improvement is linked to developmental changes in how the brain represents prediction errors and in the connectivity between brain regions.
Stress and the Developing Adolescent Brain
Adolescence is a time of both growth and vulnerability, with disorders like anxiety and depression increasing. Early stress during brain development may contribute to these mental health issues, potentially having lasting effects.
The Impact of Active and Passive Peer Influence on Young Adult Smoking: an Experimental Study
Research suggests young adults are more influenced by observing others smoking than by direct peer pressure. Passive imitation appears to be a stronger factor in smoking behavior than active encouragement.
Adolescence: A Foundation for Future Health
The current generation of 1.8 billion young people aged 10–24 is the largest in history. Their health has improved less than younger children, and they face new challenges.
Age-related Differences in Emotional Reactivity, Regulation, and Rejection Sensitivity in Adolescence
This study found that adolescents' emotional reactivity and ability to regulate emotions through reappraisal change throughout adolescence. Emotional intensity and regulation skills are not static but evolve across teenage years.
Lafler v. Cooper
The Sixth Amendment right to counsel extends to plea bargaining. Ineffective assistance of counsel resulting in the rejection of a favorable plea and a harsher sentence can violate this right.
Missouri v. Frye
Defense counsel must inform clients of formal plea offers. To show harm from a missed offer, a defendant must prove they would have accepted it and that it likely would have been approved.
Imaging Brain Development: The Adolescent Brain
Advances in imaging techniques like MRI have revolutionized the study of human brain development. Research shows that brain structure and function change throughout life, with significant reorganization continuing into adulthood.
Metabolic Consequences of Stress During Childhood and Adolescence
Intense or long-term stress during childhood and adolescence can permanently alter emotions, behavior, growth, and metabolism. These effects often lead to health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
White Matter Development in Adolescence: the Influence of Puberty and Implications for Affective Disorders
Puberty marks a critical period of physical, emotional, and social change in adolescents. This includes dramatic increases in hormones and changes in brain development that may influence emotion and behavior regulation.
Aligning justice system processing with developmental science
Legal systems treat young offenders differently, but the age of adulthood varies. Research suggests 18-24 year olds are still developing, so the authors propose reforms like special courts and rehabilitation focused on this age group.