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What if some of the justice system's most common assumptions about behavior, memory, addiction, and decision-making are wrong?

In collaboration with the Center for Law, Brain and Behavior, this four-part webinar series hosted by NLADA explores the growing body of neuroscience and behavioral science research that is reshaping our understanding of human behavior and its implications for legal advocacy, client-centered practice, and justice system responses. From adolescent brain development and substance use disorders to trauma, memory, aging, and cognitive decline, each session examines how scientific advances challenge conventional thinking and offer new approaches to understanding the people we serve.

Whether advocating for a client, developing mitigation evidence, evaluating service needs, or shaping policy, attendees will leave better equipped to apply current scientific knowledge in ways that strengthen representation, improve outcomes, and promote a more fair, effective, and humane justice system.

Scientific advances over the past two decades have transformed our understanding of addiction and substance use disorders. Despite these developments, the American legal system often continues to rely on outdated assumptions and approaches to identifying, assessing, and responding to addiction-related behaviors. This session examines the current science of addiction, including the neurological, psychological, and behavioral factors that influence substance use disorders. Participants will discuss the practical implications of modern addiction research on legal representation, sentencing, treatment recommendations, diversion strategies, and broader criminal legal policy.

Instructor: Stephanie Tabashneck, PsyD, JD - Director, CLBB Neurolaw Library at MGH Center for Law, Brain & Behavior and Senior Fellow in Law and Applied Neuroscience, Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School