Resource Library
New to the Resource Library?
Learn how to navigate, search, and use our resources effectively.
Commentary: A Behavioral Scientist Looks at the Science of Adolescent Brain Development
Adolescent brains differ from both children's and adults' brains in structure, function, and connectivity. These significant brain changes during adolescence are undeniable, though "different" does not mean "deficient."
Effects of Regulating Emotions on Cognitive Performance: What Is Costly for Young Adults Is Not So Costly for Older Adults
The article suggests that while emotion regulation impacts younger adults' cognitive performance, older adults might find it less effortful. This could mean older adults show less decline in mental task performance when regulating emotions.
Padilla v. Kentucky
The Supreme Court ruled defense attorneys must inform non-citizen clients about deportation risks during plea negotiations. This was the first time the Court found a lawyer violated effective assistance standards during plea bargaining.
Neurobiology of the Adolescent Brain and Behavior: Implications for Substance Use Disorders
Adolescence is a time of increased risky behavior due to an imbalance in brain development, where reward-seeking areas mature faster than self-control regions. This can heighten vulnerability to substance abuse.
Resisting Emotional Interference: Brain Regions Facilitating Working Memory Performance During Negative Distraction
Emotional processing helps the brain quickly assess situations for survival. While emotions can disrupt cognitive goals, the brain can also maintain focus, a function relying on "top-down" control.
Structural and Functional Changes in the Prefrontal Lobes of the Adolescent Brain: Implications for Executive Function
Brain imaging reveals that key areas of the adolescent brain, involved in decision-making and planning, continue to develop into young adulthood. This ongoing development suggests adolescents may face challenges with complex decisions.
The Role of Puberty in the Developing Adolescent Brain
Adolescence involves physical, cognitive, and social maturation. Puberty, marked by hormonal shifts, triggers changes in the body and brain. Animal studies show these hormones impact brain development and behavior.
Adolescent Engagement in Dangerous Behaviors Is Associated with Increased White Matter Maturity of Frontal Cortex
Adolescents' risky behavior, a leading cause of death, is linked to brain development. A study found that engaging in dangerous activities is associated with greater, not less, frontal white matter maturity.
Age Differences in Future Orientation and Delay Discounting
Adolescents' ability to consider future consequences and plan ahead generally increases with age. However, studies do not consistently show age differences in how far into the future adolescents can imagine their lives.
Merit Brief of Amici Curiae American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Foundation, Inc., Juvenile Law Center, Montgomery County Public Defender, and Children's Law Center, Inc. et al. in Support of Appellant
Ohio's Adam Walsh Act gives juvenile courts discretion to classify juvenile sex offenders. Only a juvenile court can reclassify an offender after a hearing, allowing the court to prioritize rehabilitation.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center; The Loyola Civitas ChildLaw Center; The Children and Family Justice Center; The Youth Law Center; and The National Juvenile Defender Center as Amici Curiae in Support of the Respondent-Appellant
The brief argues that youth in delinquency cases have a constitutional right to a zealous defense lawyer, not a guardian representing their best interests.
Brief of Amici Curiae TeamChild, Commitee for Indigent Representation and Civil Legal Equality, and Children and Family Justice Center
The brief argues that due process requires legal representation for children in truancy cases. Without counsel, children are denied a fair hearing and their right to education is jeopardized.
Brief of the American Medical Association and the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Support of Neither Party
This brief argues that adolescent brains are still developing, making them more prone to impulsive and risky behavior. It suggests these scientific differences are relevant to legal discussions about culpability.
Brief of Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators, et al.
This brief argues that juveniles should not receive life sentences without parole. It contends that a person's true character and potential for rehabilitation cannot be assessed until after adolescence.
Brief of Disability Rights Legal Center as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioners
Sending children to prison for life without parole is cruel and unusual. It violates the Eighth Amendment due to juveniles' lower culpability, potential for rehabilitation, and frequent disabilities.