A Disconnect Between Law and Neuroscience: Modem Brain Science, Media Influences, and Juvenile Justice

It would not be surprising to find most readers agreeing with half of the arguments presented herein. Liberals will agree that society is too harsh in its treatment of juvenile offenders. They will note the immaturity of children and their amenability to treatment. This plasticity justifies leaving open the possibility of rehabilitation and counsels against the death penalty, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even long-term determinate sentencing.

On the other hand, liberals are likely to disagree that the media influences children face should be restricted. Conservatives are less likely to negatively receive the suggested limitations on children's exposure to violent video games or other potentially harmful media influences. But they are also likely to disagree with arguments for more lenient treatment of juveniles. Seeing juveniles as just as dangerous and just as culpable as adult offenders, they may well argue for a do-the-adult-crime-do-the-adult-time approach to juvenile justice.