The genetic architecture of the human cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex underlies our complex cognitive capabilities, yet little is known about the specific genetic loci that influence human cortical structure. To identify genetic variants that affect cortical structure, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of brain magnetic resonance imaging data from 51,665 individuals. We analyzed the surface area and average thickness of the whole cortex and 34 regions with known functional specializations. We identified 199 significant loci and found significant enrichment for loci influencing total surface area within regulatory elements that are active during prenatal cortical development, supporting the radial unit hypothesis. Loci that affect regional surface area cluster near genes in Wnt signaling pathways, which influence progenitor expansion and areal identity. Variation in cortical structure is genetically correlated with cognitive function, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, depression, neuroticism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

International criminal law as a regulatory tool

O'Leary, J ORCiD: 0000-0002-8062-8062International criminal law has become the preferred regulatory tool for addressing certain organized violent behaviour. However, the growth of international criminal law has not improved global order. Indeed, the opposite is the case with recent increases in the levels of organized violence. This Chapter examines the crimes and modes of participation justiciable before judicial mechanisms used to respond to three conflicts and the ICC

Inspiring or undermining confidence: Amendments to the right to judge alone trials in the ACT

O'Leary, J ORCiD: 0000-0002-8062-8062This article considers the development of the law surrounding judge alone trials in the ACT, which culminated in the passage of the Criminal Proceedings Legislation Amendment Act 2011 (ACT). It proposes that the amended legislation, despite assertions to the contrary in the compatibility and explanatory statements, is incompatible with the right to a fair trial by an independent, impartial tribunal articulated in the Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT) (‘HRA’).

Rethinking youth justice: There are alternatives to juvenile detention

O'Leary, J ORCiD: 0000-0002-8062-8062The recent exposure of the abuse inflicted on child detainees at the Don Dale facility in the Northern Territory has shone a much-needed light on youth justice in Australia. Important questions are being asked about why these children were treated this way in detention. But we also need to ask why children are being detained at all