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Adolescent Maturity and the Brain: The Promise and Pitfalls of Neuroscience Research in Adolescent Health Policy
Adolescence involves continued brain development, challenging prior assumptions. Frontal lobes, crucial for executive functions, mature late, raising questions about linking brain development to judgment and policy.
Adolescent Development and the Regulation of Youth Crime
Juvenile justice policy shifted significantly, moving from a rehabilitative approach for young lawbreakers to holding them accountable like adults.
In re William M.
The Nevada Supreme Court ruled a state law unconstitutional because it forced juveniles to admit guilt to avoid adult court, violating their Fifth Amendment rights. The Court found this created an unfair dilemma.
In the matter of L.M.
The Kansas Supreme Court ruled juveniles do not have a right to a jury trial in delinquency cases. This affirmed the district court's denial of a jury trial for a 16-year-old charged with aggravated sexual battery.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of Appellant, O.K.
An amicus brief supports the argument that military commissions lack jurisdiction over minors because the law is silent on juvenile personal jurisdiction. It argues that federal law and social science support treating juveniles differently.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center as Amicus Curiae In Support of Petitioner's Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law Based on His Juvenile Status
This brief argues that classifying a child soldier as an "enemy combatant" violates domestic and international law. It contends Omar Khadr, captured at age 15, was improperly denied age-appropriate care.
Brief of Pacific Juvenile Defender Center et al. on Behalf of Appellant
The brief argues that juveniles who remain in juvenile court, but whose adjudications can be used as "strikes" in adult court, lose their right to a jury trial unconstitutionally.
Brief of the Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that a 12-year-old sentenced to 30 years without parole in adult court was an uninformed and unfortunate decision. It suggests the juvenile system should have retained jurisdiction.
A Social Neuroscience Perspective on Adolescent Risk-taking
Adolescents face significant public health threats from preventable, self-inflicted risks like accidents and substance use.
Adolescent development and the regulation of youth crime
In re Fabian A
Connecticut courts must explain plea consequences to juveniles in an age-appropriate way. This ensures they understand potential penalties and commitment extensions before pleading guilty.
Childhood Psychiatric Disorders and Young Adult Crime: A Prospective, Population-Based Study
A study found that young adults with a history of psychiatric disorders as children or adolescents were more likely to commit crimes. This link was especially strong for specific combinations of disorders.
Abdul-Kabir v. Quarterman
The Supreme Court overturned a death sentence because Texas jury instructions prevented full consideration of the defendant's troubled childhood and mental health. Jurors must be allowed to weigh all relevant mitigating evidence.
State v. Monteiro
Rhode Island's "Mario's Law" makes those sentenced before age 22 eligible for parole after 20 years. The State argues it excludes people with multiple consecutive sentences and violates separation of powers.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center and National Juvenile Defender Center as Amici Curiae in Support of the Defendant-Appellant
This brief argues that a jury should consider a 16-year-old defendant's age as a standalone factor when evaluating a duress defense. The lower court erred by limiting age's relevance to only a comparison with the coercers' ages.