Applying Cognitive Neuroscience to Juvenile Justice: The Role of Brain Development in Decision-Making

Abstract

The intersection of cognitive neuroscience and juvenile justice offers profound insights into understanding the role of brain development in decision-making among adolescents. This research explores the implications of neurodevelopmental processes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, which govern impulse control, risk assessment, and emotional regulation. Adolescents are at a stage of heightened neuroplasticity, which significantly influences their cognitive and emotional responses. This study examines how these developmental factors impact their decision-making and susceptibility to external influences, such as peer pressure. By integrating neuroscientific findings with legal frameworks, the research highlights the importance of adopting rehabilitative over punitive approaches in juvenile justice systems. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and policies that account for the neurobiological underpinnings of adolescent behavior, fostering a balance between accountability and the opportunity for growth and rehabilitation.