States rethink 'adult time for adult crime' - the Youth Advocacy Division

Brain science offers insight to teen crime : Special Reports : Albuquerque Tribune
consideration the incomplete brain development in juveniles. Court observers say that decision could have
striking implications in cases where adult sanctions are being sought for juvenile offenders.
No one is saying, however, that an immature brain is an excuse for committing crime - nor does it exonerate a
juvenile from the consequences of breaking the law.
It "does not excuse violent criminal behavior, but it's an important factor for courts to consider," according to a
statement from the American Psychiatric Association.
Chief Bernalillo County Deputy District Attorney Todd Heisey warns that brain science cannot predict which teen
can be rehabilitated and which is a budding psychopath.
"I think it's too soon to simply rely on that sort of technology," he said. "Some kids are just violent; some kids can
get better once they face their consequences. The trick is to know which is which."
Presiding Children's Court Judge Marie Baca said she is beginning to see more discussion of the juvenile brain in
her Albuquerque courtroom.
"It's a controversial area," said Baca. "It's hard to go from this tough-love position where we hold juveniles
accountable for their actions, including murder. But it's important, I think, to realize that children don't behave like
little adults."
State District Judge Louis McDonald, who sentenced Brown and his two teen co-defendants as adults, said the
brain-science debate has yet to enter his courtroom, located in Bernalillo.
Still, he said he tries to keep up with current research on the issue.
"The difficult thing about sentencing kids is everything I've seen about teenagers is that their brains are not
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2006/dec/08/brain-science-offers-insight-teen-crime/ (4 of 6)12/15/2006 2:32:28 PM