Uploaded September 2013 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
If a defendant is 18 years old, he is considered an adult, but neuroscience is painting a different picture, that one's brain is not fully developed until 25 or older. The Supreme Court has made decisions about how to treat juveniles in the criminal justice system. Here Alan sits with Dr. Nita Farahany of Duke University to understand those decisions further and how neuroscience could change views on what makes a person an adult in the eyes of the law.
This segment was taken from episode two "Deciding Punishment," from the broadcast, "Brains on Trial with Alan Alda."
To see the full episode, go here: brainsontrial.com/watch-videos/video/episode-2-deciding-punishment
And for more video and other content, go here: brainsontrial.com
If a defendant is 18 years old, he is considered an adult, but neuroscience is painting a different picture, that one's brain is not fully developed until 25 or older. The Supreme Court has made decisions about how to treat juveniles in the criminal justice system. Here Alan sits with Dr. Nita Farahany of Duke University to understand those decisions further and how neuroscience could change views on what makes a person an adult in the eyes of the law.
This segment was taken from episode two "Deciding Punishment," from the broadcast, "Brains on Trial with Alan Alda."
To see the full episode, go here: brainsontrial.com/watch-videos/video/episode-2-deciding-punishment
And for more video and other content, go here: brainsontrial.com
