How Can Immaturity be Used as Mitigation?

Courtesy of Godoy Medical Forensics

 

Some defendants are legally adults but are less-than-mature neurologically. Neurodevelopmental research tells us that brain maturation is not complete until mid-20s. What are the implications of an immature brain? Impulsivity, poor judgment, decreased impulse control, and susceptibility to peer influences. Young adults are more likely to engage in risk-taking and to abuse substances. These behaviors are closely linked to the incomplete maturation of the brain’s executive functions.

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