Criminality, the Brain, and Brain Plasticity
Lately I’ve been really interested in the role of brain development and function in criminal behavior–both for “minor” crimes like drug possession and more serious felonies. It’s a controversial topic that has the potential to shake our judicial and prison systems to the core. If someone’s brain is “wired” to believe a certain criminal activity is acceptable (or even imperative), or in a way that prevents them from understanding the consequences of their actions, how does that affect how we as a society judge them and mete out punishment to them?
We (thankfully) no longer label people with dyslexia as “stupid” because we know it’s not related to intelligence, and isn’t a matter of “not trying hard enough.” It’s an issue of brain (mis)wiring. Does the same apply to the criminal if we discover his or her criminal behavior arises from a cognitive dysfunction? Do we stop labeling certain criminals as “bad” or “evil,” and if so, what possible role can incarceration–rather than treatment–play in serving justice? I think these questions are particularly interesting for impulse (rather than premeditated) crimes.
The analogy to dyslexia might not be a fair one, but it still makes me think. How do you weigh the biology of the brain against individual agency and personal responsibility when a crime is committed? Can we call on the inherent plasticity of the brain to teach people out of criminal behavior–as we’re starting to do with dyslexia and other brain-related issues?
I haven’t decided where I stand on these issues, but I look forward to learning more about them. Here are a few articles to pique your interest :
From the LA Times: Criminal behavior may be hard-wired in the brain, researchers find
From the NY Times: Development Psychologist Says Teenagers Are Different
From Psychiatry Online: Clues to Criminal Mind Found in Prefrontal Cortex
From our own Dr. Michael Merzenich: Brain plasticity and criminal behavior: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
This list is just barely the tip of the iceberg. If you have others, I’d love to hear them!
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