Legal Insanity and the Brain: Science, Law and European Courts

This landmark publication provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of criminal insanity and neuroscience, challenging traditional theories and offering new insights into the complex relationship between the law and the mind.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 21 February 2019
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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This groundbreaking publication presents a unique and interdisciplinary exploration of criminal insanity and neuroscience. The theories and ideologies governing the regulation of criminal insanity have always sparked controversy within the legal field. Throughout history, there has been a persistent tension between two disciplinary realms: law and the mind sciences. The authors in this anthology delve into the current state-of-the-art of legal insanity and raise numerous intricate, fascinating, pioneering, and sophisticated questions through the integration of diverse criminal law and behavior theories, various disciplines, and methodologies in a truly interdisciplinary perspective. This volume will serve as a valuable resource for comparative legal scholars and judges, as well as a stimulating source of scholarly reading for neuroscientists, social scientists, and philosophers with interdisciplinary scientific interests.

The study of criminal insanity has long been a subject of debate within the legal profession. Historically, there has been a tension between two distinct disciplinary fields: law and the mind sciences. This tension has shaped the understanding and treatment of individuals who are deemed to be criminally insane. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in interdisciplinary approaches to the study of criminal insanity, which aim to bridge the gap between these two fields and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms and factors that contribute to criminal behavior.

One of the key challenges in studying criminal insanity is the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes a mental disorder. This is particularly problematic in the context of criminal law, where the determination of whether an individual is guilty or not often hinges on their mental state. The legal definition of insanity has evolved over time, and different countries have adopted different standards for determining whether an individual is mentally competent to stand trial. In some countries, for example, a person is considered mentally competent if they understand the nature of the charges against them and can assist in their defense. In other countries, however, a person is considered mentally incompetent if they are unable to understand the nature of the charges or to assist in their defense due to a mental disorder.

Another challenge in studying criminal insanity is the complex interplay between mental illness and criminal behavior. While some individuals with mental illnesses may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior, it is not always the case that mental illness is the sole or primary cause of criminal behavior. There are many other factors that can contribute to criminal behavior, including social, economic, and environmental factors. For example, individuals who grow up in poverty or who experience trauma or abuse may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior as a way to cope with their circumstances.

Despite these challenges, interdisciplinary approaches to the study of criminal insanity have the potential to provide valuable insights into the nature of criminal behavior and the factors that contribute to it. By combining the expertise of legal professionals, mental health experts, and social scientists, researchers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to criminal insanity and develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating it.

One approach to interdisciplinary study of criminal insanity is the use of neuroscientific evidence. Neuroscience has advanced significantly in recent years, and researchers have gained a better understanding of the brain mechanisms that are involved in criminal behavior. By studying the brain activity of individuals who have committed crimes, researchers can identify patterns of brain activity that may be associated with criminal behavior. This information can then be used to develop new treatments and interventions for individuals who are at risk of engaging in criminal behavior.

Another approach to interdisciplinary study of criminal insanity is the use of social science research. Social scientists can study the social and cultural factors that contribute to criminal behavior and develop new theories and models that explain why individuals engage in criminal behavior. For example, social scientists can study the role of poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination in criminal behavior and develop new policies and interventions that address these issues.

In addition to these interdisciplinary approaches, there are also many practical applications of the study of criminal insanity. For example, the use of neuroscientific evidence can help judges and legal professionals make more informed decisions about whether an individual is mentally competent to stand trial or to be sentenced. By understanding the brain mechanisms that are involved in criminal behavior, judges and legal professionals can develop new strategies for assessing the mental state of individuals and for developing appropriate interventions and treatments.

In conclusion, the study of criminal insanity is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a multidisciplinary approach. By combining the expertise of legal professionals, mental health experts, and social scientists, researchers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to criminal behavior and develop more effective strategies for preventing and treating it. The use of neuroscientific evidence and social science research can provide valuable insights into the nature of criminal behavior and can help judges and legal professionals make more informed decisions about the treatment and disposition of individuals who are deemed to be criminally insane.

\n Weight: 516g\n
Dimension: 234 x 158 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781509927548\n \n