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Neuroscience & Justice

'Neuroscience and Justice,' is a lecture series presented by experts in neuroscience, neuropsychology and the American justice system that focuses on aspects of psychology and human behavior that are relevant to understanding individuals who come before the justice system.

Register for our next event: From Brain To Bench: Battling Burnout & Compassion Fatigue

Date: February 13th, 2025
Deadline to register: January 26, 2025
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What is Neuroscience & Justice?

Through educational presentations, Neuroscience & Justice will explore the profound impact of life experiences such as discrimination, trauma, chronic stress, and substance use on emotions, cognition and decision making. Our goal is to provide those in the front lines of the justice system a sophisticated understanding of what research tells us about the impacts of various stressors on brain function.

Our Sponsors

This event is sponsored by the Medical College of Wisconsin's Neuroscience Research Center in partnership with:

  • Comprehensive Injury Center

    Learn about the CIC

    Learn More

  • Andrew Center for Restorative Justice – Marquette University Law School

    Learn about the ACRJ

    Learn More

  • Milwaukee Bar Association

    Learn about MKEBar

    Learn More
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Support 'Neuroscience & Justice'

A gift to the Neuroscience & Justice fund directly aids in financing the event, fostering knowledge, and generating insights that can have a positive impact on our legal community and advance justice for everyone.

Watch Our Past Events

A neuroscience luncheon series for those in the front lines of the justice system.
Neuroscience and Justice Seminars Accordion
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Neuroscience & Justice: ""From Brain to Bench: Mental Health & the Justice System - Challenges & Opportunities" - FALL 2024

The Neuroscience & Justice Series aims to provide insight into the intricate connections between human behavior and the justice system. In our Fall 2024 installation, experts Dr. Todd Stollenwerk, Dr. Kimberly Stoner, and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Davis guide our exploration into the complex relationships between mental health conditions, cognition, and legal decision-making. Examining the intersections of mental health and the law aims to spark a nuanced conversation about justice, accountability, and protecting vulnerable populations. Join us for this unique opportunity to expand your expertise and help shape a more compassionate and informed approach to justice.

This event was recorded on 9/23/24.

Sponsored by the Neuroscience Research Center in partnership with the Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School, and the Milwaukee Bar Association.

NRC Seminar: Neuroscience & Justice Series 9.23.24

Neuroscience & Justice: "From Brain to Bench: Addiction, Trauma & the Treatment Courts" - SPRING 2024 Event

The Neuroscience & Justice Series aims to provide insight into the intricate connections between human behavior and the justice system. Our Spring event explores the devastating impacts of drug addiction and trauma on the brain, and how these effects extend beyond the individual, touching families and communities. Our speakers will delve into cutting-edge research and therapeutic approaches that reveal the potential for healing and change, highlighting the brain's remarkable capacity for resilience and recovery. At the heart of our discussion is also the transformative role of treatment courts. These specialized courts represent a radical shift towards compassion and rehabilitation in the justice system, providing tailored interventions that address the root causes of criminal behavior. By focusing on treatment and support rather than punishment, treatment courts offer a beacon of hope, guiding individuals towards a future free from addiction and crime.  

Sponsored by the Neuroscience Research Center in partnership with the Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School, and the Milwaukee Bar Association.
This event was recorded on 4/23/24.

NRC Seminar: Neuroscience & Justice Series 4.23.24

Neuroscience & Justice: "Setting the Stage" - WINTER 2024 Event

The Neuroscience & Justice Series aims to provide insight into the intricate connections between human behavior and the justice system. The Winter 2024 aspired to pave the way for upcoming occasions by exploring the Neurobiology of Stress, Trauma, and Psychological Distress from a Neurobiological Perspective. It also delved into the Impact and Significance of Understanding Trauma and Psychological Distress in the Justice System. Embark on an educational journey at the forefront of neuroscience research, designed to equip legal professionals and practitioners with a nuanced comprehension of the neurological effects of stress and trauma.

This event was recorded on 1/22/24. Sponsored by the Neuroscience Research Center in partnership with the Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School, and the Milwaukee Bar Association.

NRC Seminar: Neuroscience & Justice Series 1.22.24

Access Resources

Adequate resources are essential for successfully applying neuroscience research to the justice system, ultimately contributing to a fairer and more effective legal system that better serves society as a whole.

Explore the different tabs to find useful information regarding each topic:
Neuroscience and Justice Resources Accordion
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Adolescence and Young Adults

The Teen Life Stage and Brain Development (PDF)
Child Sex Trafficking (PDF)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (PDF)

Bias
Learning About & Working With Indigenous Peoples (PDF)
AAPI Hate Crimes & Anti Asian Bias (PDF)
Custody Cases & The Parental Alienation Myth (PDF)
Grief and Loss
Coping with Grief & Loss (PDF)
Homelessness
Homelessness (PDF)
Substance Use Disorder and Addiction
Substance Use Disorder & Addiction (PDF)
Spring 2024 Presenter Resources and Slides (PDF)
Trauma
Trauma Informed Care Resources (PDF)
Trauma Lens Tips (PDF)

Questions?

For all questions regarding Neuroscience & Justice, please contact Hailey Wirtz.
Contact Neuroscience and Justice

Contact Us

The Medical College of Wisconsin – Neuroscience Research Center is located within the Translational Biomedical Research Center (TBRC) of MCW.

Neuroscience Research Center
Medical College of Wisconsin
Neuroscience Research Center
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
TBRC C1820
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Blair Stauffer-Fetting
Department Administrator
bstauffer@mcw.edu
(414) 955-8744

Erik Van Newenhizen
Business Operations Coordinator
evannewenhizen@mcw.edu
(414) 955-2260

Neuroscience Research Center Google map location

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