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Brief for the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, National Association of Social Workers, and American Academy of Psychiatry and Law as Amici Curiae in Support of Petition for a Writ of Certiorari
The brief argues that false confessions contribute to wrongful convictions, especially when coercive tactics are used on juveniles or those with intellectual deficits.
Amicus Curiae Brief of Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc., in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that the lower court improperly focused on jury findings and ignored victims' rights by requiring resentencing for juvenile murderers.
Neuropsychological changes in patients with Substance Use Disorder after completion of a one month intensive outpatient treatment program
Many adults with substance use disorders (SUD) also have impaired executive functioning (EF). This study found that patients completing an intensive outpatient program for SUD showed improved EF, though some impairment remained.
US v. Mosley
The court found Mosley's mental health issues and substance use disorder mitigated his violations. He received time served and supervised release instead of more incarceration.
US v. Montgomery
The court ruled the government failed to prove Kevin Montgomery was sexually dangerous. His cocaine use disorder was not a serious mental illness justifying civil commitment.
Neuroscience of addiction: Relevance to prevention and treatment
Drug overdoses, alcohol, and tobacco use cause hundreds of thousands of deaths and substantial economic costs annually. Research on neurobiology and genetics is helping identify new ways to prevent and treat substance use disorders.
Brief of Amici Former Judges, Prosecutors, and Law Enforcement Officers in Support of Petitioner
This brief argues a 16-year-old's prison sentence without parole eligibility until age 112 violates the Eighth Amendment. It contends that juveniles should have a meaningful chance for release, even with long aggregate sentences.
Scientific Support for a Developmentally Informed Approach to Miranda Rights
Adolescents often struggle to understand Miranda warnings and their legal rights. This can lead to unknowingly waiving rights or making false confessions, especially for those in custody.
Temptations of Friends: Adolescents’ Neural and Behavioral Responses to Best Friends Predict Risky Behavior
Adolescents engage in more risky behavior when with peers, driven by their heightened sensitivity to social rewards. Neural responses to peer reward may make some adolescents more vulnerable to risky choices.
Brief of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and nine other organizations as amici curiae
The brief argues a judge improperly increased a probationer's jail sentence solely for treatment. It contends judges cannot sentence for an offender's welfare, as they lack control over prison treatment programs.
Brief of Mass. Med. Soc’y et al. as Amici Curiae in Support of Pl.’s Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order & Prelim. Injunction
Medical organizations argue opioid use disorder is a brain disease requiring medication-assisted treatment. They contend the jail's policy of terminating treatment is outdated and dangerous, urging the court to order continued care.
Proposed Brief of Pub. Health Scholars as Amici Curiae in Support of Pl.’s Motion for Temporary Restraining Order & Prelim. Injunction
Public-health scholars argue methadone is a safe, effective treatment for opioid use disorder. They contend defendants mischaracterize methadone and that forced withdrawal is not medically recommended.
Brain Activity, Low Self-Control, and Delinquency: An fMRI Study of At-Risk Adolescents
Research shows a clear link between low self-control and antisocial behavior. Recent studies increasingly explore both social causes and brain activity related to low self-control.
Effects of Parental Divorcement on Impulsivity in Adolescence
This study found no significant difference in impulse control between adolescents with divorced and non-divorced parents. However, adolescents who experienced divorce at younger ages showed more impulse control problems.
Longitudinal Change in High-Cost Prosocial Behaviors of Defending and Including During the Transition to Adulthood
This study explores young adults' "defending" and "including" behaviors, which are high-cost prosocial acts. It examines their prevalence and changes during the transition to adulthood, along with related factors.