Neuropsychology of Juvenile Adjudicative Competence

Abstract

While the application of neuropsychology to adult adjudicative competence has been examined previously (cf. Denney & Wynkoop, 2000;Wynkoop & Denney, 1999), there is nothing yet written on the application of neuropsychology to juvenile adjudicative competence. This article is a primer on juvenile adjudicative competence from a neuropsychological perspective, briefly describing some of the issues relevant to juvenile adjudicative competence, the complexities of juvenile justice, neuropsychological development (normal and problematic), neuropsychological differences between adults and children (development and assessment), application of child neuropsychology to adjudicative competence, and suggestions for future directions.

Ten Year Research Update (2001–2010): Evaluations for Competence to Stand Trial (Adjudicative Competence)

“…Oberlander, Goldstein, & Ho () and Riggs‐Romaine, Kemp, and DeMatteo () provided conceptual and practical guidance for some special issues that arise in these cases, especially regarding developmental considerations when applying the Dusky standard. Wynkoop () and Mayzer, Bradley, Rusinko, and Ertelt () offered observations regarding the value and importance of neuropsychological assessment in some juvenile AC cases.…”