Institute of Criminology Public Seminars: 'Neurocriminology: Neuroethical and Neurolegal Implications'

Speaker: Professor Adrian Raine, Depts of Criminology, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania.

The very rapid developments taking place in brain imaging science are creating an
uncomfortable tension between our concepts of responsibility and retribution on the
one hand, and understanding and mercy on the other. Neurocriminology is a new
subfield of criminology which is documenting structural and functional brain
impairments not just in antisocial, violent, and psychopathic individuals, but also in
spouse abusers and white collar criminals. Recent research is also suggesting a
neurodevelopmental contribution to crime causation. Furthermore, the brain
circuits found to be impaired in offenders parallel the brain circuits found to underlie
moral decision-making in controls. This talk presents recent research in
neurocriminology, outlining implications not just for the field of criminology, but also
for our concepts of moral responsibility, free will, and punishment. If the neural
circuitry underling morality is compromised in offenders, is it morally wrong of us to
punish prisoners as much as we do?

All seminars are held in Seminar Room B3, Institute of Criminology, Sidgwick Ave, Cambridge, CB3 9DA. A drinks reception in the basement foyer will follow this seminar for attendees.

The IoC Public Seminar Series is open to all interested in attending, with no ticket required. If you wish to be added to the seminar mailing list, please contact: Joanne Garner, on: jf225@cam.ac.uk