Neurocriminology

Differences in executive functioning between violent and non-violent offenders

“…One of these risk factors is a ‘prefrontal deficit’: antisocial, criminal and violent behaviour are related to dysfunctioning of the prefrontal cortex (Raine, 2002; Nordstrom et al 2011), which is crucial for self-control and executive functions. Executive functions are higher-order cognitive functions – such as inhibition, set-shifting, planning, working memory and attention – which allow humans to have goal-directed behaviour and self-control (Jurado & Rosselli, 2007; Hofmann et al 2012).…”

Comparison of impulsivity, aggression and suicidality between prisoners in Nigeria who have committed homicide and those who have not

“…Aggressive behaviours are mediated by poor executive functioning and impairment in goal planning as well as reduced ability to monitor social behaviour in demanding contexts (Ishikawa, Raine, Lencz, Bihrle, & Lacasse, 2001). It has also been shown that violent behaviours like homicide are related to dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex (Nordstrom et al, 2011; Raine, 2005).…”

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“…At the other end of the spectrum, society must ensure this evidence does not eradicate the notion of criminal accountability, as genetic and environmental circumstances do not fully explain criminal behaviour. These challenges for the emerging field of neurocriminology [Nordstrom et al, 2011] must be met with consideration of social theories and evidence from neurological studies to better understand, and ultimately prevent aggressive criminal behaviour.…”