ABSTRACT
Much of the current research on the neurobiology of crime has examined samples of individuals who meet criteria for disorders that commonly result in criminal behaviour, such as antisocial personality disorder (APD) and psychopathy. Although these disorders are not directly indicative of criminal behaviour, they are highly correlated. To better understand the complex relationship between neurobiological risk factors and crime, it is helpful to first review the theories that help us understand how anomalies in certain brain regions and hormone levels can lead to deficits that may predispose someone to APD, psychopathy and criminal activity. Some of the key brain regions implicated in this type of behaviour include the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala and the hippocampus. The prefrontal cortex, and in particular the orbitofrontal region, plays a large role in decision-making and inhibition, whereas the amygdala and hippocampus are involved in emotional processing. In this chapter we attempt to clarify how neurobiological research has begun to elucidate how deficits in particular brain regions might put someone at risk for criminal behaviour, in hopes to better understand its aetiology. In addition to considering specific brain regions, we discuss how hormones such as testosterone and cortisol have been implicated in criminal behaviour. This information could lead to advances in the treatment and management of individuals whose actions lead to their involvement in the criminal justice system.
