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In the wake of Miller and Montgomery: A national view of people sentenced to juvenile life without parole
The U.S. has a high incarceration rate, driven by long sentences. Many people serving life sentences committed their crimes as juveniles. These sentences are often unnecessary for public safety and costly.
Susceptibility to peer influence in adolescents: Associations between psychophysiology and behavior
Adolescents are more susceptible to peer influence, which can be direct, indirect, or continuing. This influence impacts both antisocial and prosocial behaviors. The study examines how these types of influence affect different behaviors.
Naloxone precipitated withdrawal increases dopamine release in the dorsal striatum of opioid dependent men
This study found that opioid withdrawal increases dopamine in the dorsal striatum and decreases it in the ventral striatum, which is linked to withdrawal aversion.
Drive, instinct, reflex-Applications to treatment of anxiety, depressive and addictive disorders
Psychoanalysis has long confused "drive" and "instinct." This article defines drive as a motivated search for satisfaction, distinct from instinct, and identifies five core human motivations rooted in brain systems shared with animals.
P.G. v. Jefferson County
The court ruled jails must provide prescribed methadone to pretrial detainees, finding likely ADA and and due process violations. The case resulted in over $161K in attorney’s fees.
Amicus Curiae Letter in Support of Petition for Review in Chelsea Becker v. Superior Court
The brief argues that California law does not permit murder charges against women for pregnancy loss. It states that such prosecutions harm women and children, deter essential healthcare, and lack medical support.
Brief of Amici Curiae Center for Constitutional Rights, Transgender Law Center, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Make the Road New York et al. in Support of Respondents
The brief argues that punishing involuntarily homeless people for sleeping outside when no shelter is available is cruel and unusual punishment. It contends this criminalizes poverty and violates the Eighth Amendment.
State v. Anderson
The Washington Supreme Court affirmed a 61-year sentence for a 17-year-old's deadly robbery. The majority found the sentence did not violate the state constitution's cruel punishment ban, as the crime lacked youthful immaturity.
Primer: Psychedelics
Psychedelics are chemicals categorized by structure. They are found in nature or made synthetically. These compounds alter perception, cognition, and mood, with effects varying by substance and dose.
Use of Marijuana: Effect on Brain Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Marijuana use is increasing, with growing potency in THC levels. Concerns exist about its effects on brain health, particularly in adolescents and young adults, and potential drug interactions.
Competencies for Training Juvenile Services on Justice Involved Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury
Youth in juvenile correction facilities have high rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Staff training is crucial for identifying TBI, improving outcomes, and ensuring youth receive necessary care, but current training is often inadequate.
Justice for Emerging Adults after Jones: the Rapidly Developing Use of Neuroscience to Extend Eighth Amendment Miller Protections to Defendants Ages 18 and Older
This article examines how neuroscience is used to argue against the death penalty and mandatory life without parole for emerging adults (ages 18 to early 20s).
Lonely Too Long: Redefining and Reforming Juvenile Solitary Confinement
Kalief Browder's story highlights the devastating impact of solitary confinement, especially on young individuals.
Should the Science of Adolescent Brain Development Inform Public Policy?
Adolescence brings significant brain changes impacting structure and function, continuing longer than previously thought. These changes affect self-control, emotional regulation, and how the brain responds to rewards.
Addington v. Texas
The Supreme Court ruled in 1979 that involuntary commitment requires clear evidence of danger to self or others. This balances personal freedom with public safety concerns.