ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 presents forensic neuroscience within the framework of forensic psychology. The use of neuroscience in US courtrooms is increasing rapidly. In some cases, a failure to use neuroscience in defending an accused criminal has been grounds for appeal. Legal scholars continue to debate the implications of using neuroscience in the courtroom, addressing concerns about shifting standards of moral responsibility and fears that neuroscience data exert disproportionate influence on the decisions of judges and juries. Many of the challenges presented in Chapter 1, such as reverse inference and the group-to-individual problem, are central to the successful use of forensic neuroscience. The chapter presents and evaluates types of behavioral neuroscience measures admissible to courtrooms. The implications of beliefs about nature and nurture relevant to criminal behavior are debated. Neuroscience correlates of aggression are presented as a model application. Influences of genetics, culture, brain structure, neurochemicals, and individual differences on aggression are presented. The potential and challenges facing neuroprediction of further offending and neuroscience approaches to lie detections are detailed.
