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MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

News

May 9, 2025

This message brings news about:

  1. Recent Neurolaw Publications
  2. Neuro-Legislation Watch

 

  1. Recent Neurolaw Publications 
  1. Stephen J. Morse, Chapter 7: Criminal Responsibility, Mental Disorder, and Behavioral Neuroscience. In Thomas Crofts, Louise Kennefick, and Arlie Loughman (Eds.), The Routledge International Handbook of Criminal Responsibility (2025).

  2. Alex Mastorides, Confining Rights: The Neuroscientific Challenge to Long-Term Solitary Confinement under the Eighth Amendment, 26 Minn. J.L. Sci. & Tech. 89 (2025).

  3. Jeremy Ben Merkerson et al., Neurotechnology Works Its Way Forward, 48 Seattle U. L. Rev. Online 57 (2025).

  4. Saul M. Kassin et al., Police-Induced Confessions, 2.0: Risk Factors and Recommendations, 49 Law & Hum. Behav. 7 (2025).

  5. Christos D. Strubakos, Developmental Neurobiology and Miller v. Alabama: To What Extent Do Juvenile Brains Change, 73 Clev. St. L. Rev. 403 (2025).

  6. Catherine A. Zimmermann, Human-Animal Chimeras: An Omen for Disaster or an Answer to Our Prayers? 37 J. Civ. Rts. & Econ. Dev. 135 (2024).

  7. Jules Lobel & Huda Akil, Law & Neuroscience: The Case of Solitary Confinement, 147 Daedalus 61 (2018).
  1. Neuro-Legislation Watch

Once a relatively dormant area of law, neurolegislation is rapidly emerging as a space to watch—particularly when it comes to the regulation of neural data. California is leading the way with two notable bills: SB 44, which strengthens neural data protections under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and SB 354, which introduces new privacy standards for insurance companies and their third-party partners. Meanwhile, Vermont's H.366—a bill focused on safeguarding mental privacy—has already passed the state Senate and is now under consideration in the House. A newsletter circulated by the law firm Morrison Foerster highlights these efforts, along with similar proposals in other states, as part of a broader national trend toward stronger neural data privacy protections. The firm also advises businesses operating in these jurisdictions to closely monitor emerging neurolegislation. For access to the full newsletter, please check out the following link: Linda K. Clark & Carson Martinez, More States Propose Privacy Laws Safeguarding Neural Data, Morrison Foerster (2025).        

Neurolaw News is produced by The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience, headquartered at Vanderbilt Law School, 131 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, under the directorship of Owen D. Jones.