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Behavioral science and the juvenile death penalty
The Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Behavioral science data was presented in a Supreme Court case on the juvenile death penalty. Analysis revealed this data did not support either side of the death penalty debate.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Legal Studies
- Criminology
Background:
- The Supreme Court case Thompson v. Oklahoma addressed the constitutionality of the juvenile death penalty.
- Amicus briefs often incorporate scientific data to inform legal arguments.
Observation:
- Behavioral science data was submitted as part of an amicus brief in the Thompson v. Oklahoma case.
- This data was intended to influence the Court's decision regarding the juvenile death penalty.
Findings:
- A thorough review of the submitted behavioral science data found it inconclusive.
- The data did not provide empirical support for arguments either for or against the juvenile death penalty.
Implications:
- The findings question the direct applicability of behavioral science data in Supreme Court decisions on capital punishment for juveniles.
- Highlights the need for robust, clearly applicable scientific evidence in legal proceedings.
- Suggests potential limitations in using broad behavioral science findings for specific legal rulings.