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MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

News

March 25, 2025

This message brings news about:

  1. Recent Neurolaw Publications
  2. New Book: International Perspectives of Neuroscience in the Youth Justice Courtroom
  3. New Book: Brain Development and the Law
  4. Summer Positions at Neurotech Justice Accelerator at Mass General Brigham
  5. Recording of Professor Shen’s Lecture on Law and Neuroscience
  1. Recent Neurolaw Publications  
  1. Francis X. Shen, Frances Lawrenz, and Susan M. Wolf, Revolutionizing Neuroimaging Research with Highly Portable MRI: Confronting Ethical and Legal Challenges, 52 J. L. Med. & Ethics 764 (2024).

  2. Francis X. Shen et al., Conducting Research with Highly Portable MRI in Community Settings: A Practical Guide to Navigating Ethical Issues and ELSI Checklist, 52 J. L. Med. & Ethics 769 (2024).

  3. Jeremy Ben Merkelson, Wendy Kearns, David Rice, and Elyse Sparks, Neurotechnology Works its Way Forward, 48 Seattle U. L. Rev. Online 57 (2025).

  4. Molly K. Madzelan, Frances Lawrenz, Susan M. Wolf, and Francis X. Shen, Expert Stakeholder Perspectives on Emerging Technology for Neuroimaging Research with High Portable MRI: The Need for Guidance on Ethical, Legal, and Societal Issues, 52 J. L. Med. & Ethics 786 (2024).

  5. Barbara J. Evans, Ethical Oversight and Social Licensing of Portable MRI Research, 52 J. L. Med. & Ethics 851 (2024).

  6. Donnella S. Comeau, Benjamin C. Silverman, Mahsa Alborzi Avanaki, and Susan M. Wolf, The Need for IRB Leadership to Address the New Ethical Challenges of Research with Highly Portable Neuroimaging Technologies, 52 J. L. Med. & Ethics 840 (2024).

  7. Mark Bartholomew, Navigating Trademark Law’s Empirical Turn, 62 Hous. L. Rev. 247 (2024).

  1. New Book: International Perspectives of Neuroscience in the Youth Justice Courtroom

On March 31, Hannah Wishart and Ray Arthur’s new book, International Perspectives of Neuroscience in the Youth Justice Courtroom, will be published. This book explores the emerging field of neurojustice by examining interdisciplinary legal issues in youth justice through a neuroscientific lens. It presents a range of international perspectives from experts in England and Wales, Ireland, the United States, and New Zealand, focusing on how neuroscience is applied in youth justice trials. Topics include the relevance of neuroscience in areas such as fitness to plead, sentencing, and mens rea, and the book highlights its impact on children and young persons involved in the legal system. With contributions from academics and legal practitioners, the collection offers valuable insights for those in criminal law, neurolaw, neuroethics, juvenile law, and comparative law. For more information, please visit:

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003438144/international-perspectives-neuroscience-youth-justice-courtroom-hannah-wishart-ray-arthur

  1. New Book: Brain Development and the Law

Stephan Schleim’s new book, Brain Development and the Law, is the first open-access book to provide a comprehensive analysis of how brain development is assessed and its impact on legal frameworks. It explores the challenge of reconciling the biological continuum of brain development with the law's need for clear distinctions, particularly in areas like juvenile justice and age limits in sentencing. Drawing on his previous work in Dutch juvenile criminal law, which incorporates adolescent brain development, the book examines how neuroscience influences legal decisions, including age limits for death and life sentences in the U.S. and new cannabis legislation in Germany. By combining biological, psychological, and social perspectives, Schleim offers a pragmatic approach to integrating brain development with legal principles, making the book valuable to researchers, legal professionals, and students in fields like law, neuroscience, and psychology. For access to the book, please visit: https://vanderbilt.box.com/s/ifspqcrput5hlgeu7xqd0e7jr5835s9i

  1. Summer Positions at Neurotech Justice Accelerator at Mass General Brigham

The Neurotech Justice Accelerator (NJAM) at Mass General Brigham is accepting applications for its Summer Research Program. Undergraduate and graduate students interested in neuroscience, neurotechnology, ethics, law, and policy are invited to apply. Fellows will engage in research on the societal impacts of neurotechnology, receive mentorship, and earn a stipend ($5,000 for undergraduates, $6,000 for graduate students). The program runs from June to August 2025, with remote and in-person options. For more information, please visit: https://form.asana.com/?k=qUquvn_Z7gM3cQ1WxQ3TGg&d=963137997287150

  1. Recording of Professor Shen’s Lecture on Law and Neuroscience

On March 4, Vanderbilt hosted neuroscience and law expert Professor Francis X. Shen for the third-annual Weaver Distinguished Lecture in Law, Brain Sciences, and Behavior. Please check out the link below for a recording of the lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkt-8WGcjto&t=1624s