RETHINKING JUVENILE JUSTICE THROUGH THE LENS OF NEUROSCIENCE

AUTHOR – SHAINA MARIAM PRASAD, STUDENT (LAW) AT CHRIST (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY)

BEST CITATION – SHAINA MARIAM PRASAD, RETHINKING JUVENILE JUSTICE THROUGH THE LENS OF NEUROSCIENCE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (3) OF 2026, PG. 419-429, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/ZGFD1281

Abstract

The intersection of neuroscience juvenile justice has emerged as a critical frontier. In addressing the persistent recidivism rates among children in conflict with law (ccl), traditional punitive approaches have demonstrated that they are of limited effectiveness.  With recidivism rates ranging from 40 to 65% globally, recent advances in adolescent brain development research suggest that neuropsychology informed interventions may offer better outcomes.

This study examines the differential effectiveness of traditional versus neuropsychology, informed approaches in juvenile justice systems, analysing how the international best practices and neuroscience-based interventions to identify factors, contributing to significant reductions in repeat offending.

A comprehensive systematic review was conducted analysing peer review literature, government reports and international juvenile justice data from 2000-2025. Along with comparative analysis, focusing on recidivism rates,  intervention effectiveness,the long-term outcomes across jurisdictional approaches.

Countries that have been implementing neuropsychology informed approaches demonstrated substantially lower residence rates, Norway 18% within 2 years and Scotland 22.4% compared to traditional punity systems in the United States, 55 to 65% within 12 months and Canada, 40 to 60%. science-based interventions, incorporating neuroscientific principles show promising results. Multi systemic therapy, 25 to 70% reduction. Functional family therapy, 35% felony reduction. andn Trauma informed care approaches demonstrate significant improvements in behavioural outcomes of the youth.

Neuropsychology informs juvenile justice approaches consistently outperform the traditional punitive methods in reducing recidivism, implementation of evidence-based interventions that are grounded in adolescent brain development. Research offers a substantial promise for improving rehabilitation outcomes and reducing societal costs.

Keywords

juvenile justice, neuroscience, recidivism, adolescent brain development, evidence-based interventions, rehabilitation