NCJ Number
80371
Journal
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: (June 1981) Pages: 131-159
Date Published
1981
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This paper postulates a heuristic three-dimensional model of brain-behavior relationships and presents case histories which illustrate the relationship between persistent criminality and neurological disorders.
Abstract
Findings obtaining from neuropsychological, quantitative EEG, and psychophysiological assessment batteries are summarized from research carried out among 700 forensic patients at Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Canada. In some samples, the incidence of neuropsychological impairments was as high as 90 percent. Most of the forensic patients who were referred for assessment are habitual criminals who, in general, have not responded to rehabilitative efforts or modified their criminal behavior as a consequence of frequent incarcerations. The different criminal samples had an overall mean of 10 convictions, except for the homicide group which had a mean of 5 convictions. Following a review of relevant research, the article proposes a three-dimensional perspective on brain function which highlights functional differences between the dominant versus the nondominant cerebral hemisphere, the neocortex (specifically the isocortex) versus limbic brain regions, and the anterior versus posterior brain regions. Five case histories are presented to illustrate the importance of complete biosocial histories and multimodal psychological assessments. The paper concludes that the biological impairments often found with persistent criminals are not necessarily just concomitants of their criminal careers or unrelated ramifications of their psychosocial environment. Rather, they are often antecedents to criminal activity and contribute to the initiation and continuation of such activity. Tables and three footnotes are provided.