"Teen brain syndrome"? I don't remember that one in crim theory!
"The theory out there ... is that because of the fast growth of the teenage brain, until it stabilizes at the age of 24, a teenager is not able to control their actions or make logical judgments with regards to proper behaviour," Justice of the Peace Richard Quon said in his recent ruling that freed Brendon Larkin, described in court as a danger to society.
-'teen brain syndrome' gets bail for accused; toronto star; nick pron, courts bureau; october 7, 2004
Later, a bit of research is cited.
"Recent scientific studies on brain imaging have shown that such grey matter as the prefrontal cortex does keep developing into the late teens and even the early 20s."
Then, the JP is quoted again.
"Unfortunately we can't lock all teenagers up until the age of 24 when their brain sort of shrinks back to normal."
I don't envy Nick Pron the task of having to write this piece, because in my opinion (and long-time readers may recall my degree was in criminal justice & public policy) this ruling is sheer stupidity.
Here's a bit of why.
"The theory out there..."
Among who? Justices of the peace? Researchers? Truckers swilling coffee as they read about the latest young offender up on charges?
I'm curious what was cut between "out there" and "is that." Did the JP give a source for this theory? If so, why was that cut?
"...a teenager is not able to control their actions or make logical judgments with regards to proper behaviour..."
So we make it legal for them to gamble, buy porn, drive a car and enlist in the military? Sounds like a reasonable list of things to allow people who can't control their actions or make logical judgments.
"Recent scientific studies..."
Even if the brain growth thing is true, that's not enough on its own for a causal link between brain size/growth and the ability to control actions or make logical judgments.
And even if it was enough to make such a link, then how can this JP say that's what was to blame for this young person's actions? Was a brain scan ordered? Because if this theory is sound, then you should be able to scan someone's brain to find out if they're one of the ones whose brains haven't finished developing.
Other questions that leave me fuming:
Did Quon actually say it was unfortunate that we can't lock people up until they're 24?
If he believed Larkin couldn't be held responsible for his violent actions, why did he release him?
