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The Slow Drip of Decarceration: Reversing the Flood of Mass Incarceration and Its Racist Impact
African Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of white Americans, reflecting deep-seated racial disparities. The U.S. prison population grew exponentially from the 1970s, disproportionately impacting people of color.
Amending New Jersey’s Expungement Law to Reflect the Historical Treatment of Juveniles: Juveniles Deserve a Second Chance
New Jersey law denies record expungement for juvenile crimes. Limiting record sealing prevents rehabilitated youth from moving past their past.
Adolescents Engage in More Risky Decision Making
Research indicates adolescents engage in more risky behaviors than adults. This is due to ongoing brain development affecting judgment and impulse control, which continues into young adulthood.
Light Cannabis Use and the Adolescent Brain: An 8‑years Longitudinal Assessment of Mental Health, Cognition, and Reward Processing
Research on cannabis's effects on brain reward systems shows inconsistent results. More longitudinal studies are needed to determine if observed differences are due to cannabis use or pre-existing factors.
The Case for Second Chances: A Pathway to Decarceration in Maine
Maine incarcerates more people per capita than most countries, often for too long and at too great an expense. This review argues for significant changes, including reinstating parole, to reduce the prison population and recidivism.
Juvenile Life Without Parole in Pennsylvania: Age, Cognitive Immaturity, and Culpability
Judges in Pennsylvania have sentenced some juveniles to life without parole by focusing on age and perceived adult-level culpability.
The Miller Trilogy, Jones, and the Future of Juvenile Sentencing and Constitutional Interpretation in the Post-Jones America
Many young people facing mental health challenges make reckless decisions. The lack of support structures, coupled with current sentencing practices, can severely harm juveniles in the criminal justice system.
Hippocampal Trauma Memory Processing Conveying Susceptibility to Traumatic Stress
This study found that PTSD-like symptoms in mice are linked to changes in the hippocampal memory engram, the physical storage of memories. Researchers explored the roles of specific brain cells and epigenetic factors in these alterations.
Acute War Stress in Ukrainian Refugees: Neurobiological and Psychological Impact
A study of Ukrainian refugee women found war-related stress impacts brain structure and connectivity, along with mental health. Researchers observed these changes in individuals who experienced acute war exposure.
Investigating the neurobiology of maternal Opioid Use Disorder and prenatal opioid exposure using brain organoid technology
Opioids remain a major global health concern, particularly for pregnant women. Rising opioid use disorder and related treatments in mothers highlight the urgent need to understand opioids' impact on the developing brain.
Influence of Post-Migration Living Difficulties on Mental Health Among Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Scoping-Review on Clinical Tools
Refugees and asylum seekers experience higher rates of mental health disorders due to pre- and post-migration trauma. Identifying post-migration difficulties and providing psychosocial support are crucial for their well-being.
Cross-Contextual Examination of Older Adults’ Privacy Concerns, Behaviors, and Vulnerabilities
Older adults are most concerned about cybercrime and often use active strategies to protect their privacy. Their vulnerability to privacy threats varies greatly and is not solely tied to age.
Past, Prologue, and Constitutional Limits on Criminal Penalties
State constitutions can offer stronger protections than federal law. Illinois adopted a "proportionate-penalties clause" in its constitution, emphasizing rehabilitation in sentencing and requiring courts and lawmakers to consider it.
People v. Mitchell
The court acknowledged childhood trauma and adolescent brain development but upheld adult prosecution. Evidence of trauma was relevant but did not outweigh public safety concerns.
State v. Browder
The Hawaii Supreme Court vacated a sexual assault conviction. Prosecutors cannot describe a witness as "traumatized" without expert testimony because the term has a specific psychological meaning.