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Brief for Amicus Curiae Fair Punishment Project in Support of Petitioner, Johnson
This brief argues for a categorical ban on life without parole sentences for juveniles. It contends neither courts nor experts can reliably determine if a child's crime reflects irreparable corruption.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center, Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, and Center for Law, Brain and Behavior as Amici Curiae in Support of Appellant Harrison
This brief argues that Iowa's felony murder law is unfair to juveniles like Keyon Harrison. It contends that scientific findings about youth culpability mean juveniles should not be liable under felony murder.
Brief of Juvenile Law Center Et. Al Support of Petitioner
This brief argues that the national consensus now considers individuals under 21 to have diminished culpability. It seeks to extend the ban on the death penalty to offenders under 21, citing evolving laws and brain science.
Covington v. State
The court upheld Edward Covington's death sentences for murder. His claims of bipolar disorder and cocaine abuse were rejected, as voluntary drug use diminished mitigation.
Increased Striatal Activity in Adolescence Benefits Learning
Brain activity in reward-related areas peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood. This increased activity predicts better learning now and in the future.
Screening, treatment initiation, and referral for substance use disorders
A new model called STIR, which includes medication at initial visits, shows promise for treating substance use disorders. Two studies found it effective in reducing tobacco and opioid use in emergency room settings.
Modulation of Reward-related Neural Activation on Sensation Seeking Across Development
Sensation seeking, linked to seeking novel and risky experiences, has a genetic basis and is tied to brain reward systems. Studies show that adolescents exhibit heightened reactivity to rewards in a specific brain region.
Stress and Decision Making: Effects on Valuation, Learning, and Risk-taking
Research into how stress affects decision-making shows inconsistent findings. Methodological differences in how stress is defined and applied across studies, such as timing and type of stressor, contribute to this variability.
Adolescence and Reward: Making Sense of Neural and Behavioral Changes Amid the Chaos
Adolescence is a time of major changes, including increased exploration and sensation-seeking behavior. Research into brain development during this period can help understand and prevent health risks.
But Is Helping You Worth the Risk? Defining Prosocial Risk Taking in Adolescence
This article introduces "Prosocial Risk Taking," a new concept exploring if adolescents take risks to benefit others. It suggests viewing adolescence as a time of opportunity for positive development, not just vulnerability.
vlPFC-vmPFC-Amygdala Interactions Underlie Age-Related Differences in Cognitive Regulation of Emotion
Adolescents and children show less ability to manage negative emotions than adults. This study explored brain pathways, finding that age improves emotion regulation via a specific brain region's influence on emotional responses.
Palakovic v. Wetzel
The Third Circuit ruled prison officials can be liable under the Eighth Amendment for prolonged solitary confinement of mentally ill inmates, citing evidence that it can cause mental harm.
Williams v. Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
The court ruled that holding inmates in solitary confinement after their death sentences are overturned may violate due process, citing research on the harm of isolation.
If I’m Certain, Is It True? Accuracy and Confidence in Eyewitness Memory
A new study finds that eyewitness confidence strongly relates to accuracy under ideal conditions. However, when conditions are not ideal, accuracy, even with high confidence, is significantly compromised.
Eavesdropping on Memory
The author, a scientist, details her experiences receiving both vitriolic and grateful emails regarding her work on memory. She also recounts a childhood marked by her mother's death and a house fire, influencing her later career.