Disparities in Sentencing: Creating a "Benchcard" on Brain Development to Incorporate Neuroscience Research
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
LSU Law Journal for Social Justice & Policy
Abstract
This article explores the disparities in juvenile sentencing across the United States, with a focus on the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Jones v. Mississippi (2021) and the importance of incorporating neuroscience research into legal decisions. It highlights how different jurisdictions handle juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences, leading to significant inconsistencies based on geography. The article advocates for the development of a “benchcard” that would guide judges in making informed decisions by integrating the latest scientific understanding of brain development, particularly concerning individuals up to age 25. By examining the evolution of legal protections for juveniles and the role of the prison industrial complex, the article argues for a more equitable legal approach that considers the developmental differences of young offenders.
First Page
23
Last Page
52
Publication Date
2024
Recommended Citation
Stevie Leahy, Disparities in Sentencing: Creating a "Benchcard" on Brain Development to Incorporate Neuroscience Research, 3 LSU L. J. for Soc. Just. & Pol'y 23 (2024).
Creative Commons License
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