Michigan’s Ruling That Redefines Youth & Justice In April 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court held that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for 19- and 20-year-olds convicted of murder violate  the state constitution. The justices concluded that imposing such punishment without considering an offender’s youth and capacity for change is “grossly disproportionate.”  Notably, the court relied on scientific evidence showing that brain development continues into the early twentie

“Psychosis” is a term often heard but widely misunderstood, frequently associated with inaccurate and harmful stereotypes. To cut through the confusion, we’ve distilled the core insights of clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Douglas E. Lewis, Jr., from his interview with Harsh Patel titled “Mental Health Support in Jail: Competency Restoration Explained.”  This blog provides a clear, simple explanation of what psychosis is, what its symptoms are, and addresses one of the

In courtrooms across America, forensic psychologists hold immense power over people’s lives. Their assessments can determine whether a defendant stands trial, receives treatment, or risks returning to prison. One misjudgment can ripple through a life forever. But in a nation where immigrants, people of color, and other marginalized groups are disproportionately swept into the justice system, cultural blind spots can make even the most careful evaluations dangerously incomplet

For decades, Americans have been fascinated by forensic psychology, from gripping episodes of Law & Order  to addictive true-crime podcasts. Yet the reality is far more consequential and nuanced than television portrays. Today, amid heated public debates over fairness in the U.S. justice system, forensic psychology stands at the intersection of science, law, and societal trust. These experts do far more than explain criminal motives on the witness stand; they guide judges in