Adolescent Brain Development
What Are the Implications of Adolescent Brain Development for Juvenile Justice? The Coalition for Juvenile Justice examines the substance and policy implications of the latest research on adolescent brain development in a two-part series.
Part 1- Emerging Concepts Brief: This brief explores hard science findings proving that teenagers are not fully mature in their judgment and decision-making capacities. (2006)
Part 2- Applying Research to Practice: This brief offers suggestions for adaptation of existing juvenile justice and delinquency prevention policies based on the new information explored in Part 1. (2006)
Rethinking the Juvenile in Juvenile Justice: The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families links for the first time research about adolescent brain development with our treatment of minors in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. This report suggests that applying what we know about adolescents to their treatment will provide more effective and more cost-effective solutions to criminal justice. Policy recommendations are made to address community safety while also taking into account the developmentally appropriate treatment of adolescents in legal trouble. (March, 2006)
The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice focuses on how to better address the problems in our nation’s juvenile justice system. They have published several issue briefs and a report on this topic.
Issue Brief 1: Adolescent Legal Competence in Court. This brief details findings on a juvenile’s mental ability to participate in criminal proceedings using court-related skills and maturity.
Issue Brief 2: Creating Turning Points for Serious Adolescent Offenders. This brief presents findings that many juvenile offenders make the transition to early adulthood with fewer problems than expected - some going from a very high level of crime involvement to almost none.
Issue Brief 3: Less Guilty by Reason of Adolescence. The U.S. legal system has long held that criminal punishment should be based not only on the harm caused, but also on the blameworthiness of the offender. This brief describes the factors considered when determining a defendant’s culpability.
Issue Brief 4: Assessing Juvenile Psychopathy. Gaining a better understanding of juvenile psychopathy is essential given that judges are facing increasing pressures from escalating caseloads and shifting public policies to send juveniles into adult courts.
Issue Brief 5: The Changing Borders of Juvenile Justice. Researchers have examined whether the prosecution of youngsters as adults reduces crime and recidivism. Their findings show that harsher sentences and adult punishment are ineffective deterrents to crime among juveniles.
Bringing Research to Policy and Practice in Juvenile Justice: The nation’s juvenile justice system is driven by two themes: the welfare of young offenders and public safety. This report tries to find a balance between these themes by building a system based on hard science and legal considerations.