Introduction
The emerging field of neuro-criminology helps scientists identify patterns and evaluate the activities of the brain in order to identify criminal behaviors solely based on brain types. The criminology field is significant for criminal activities, but this emerging field will revolutionize the justice system. It will not only identify criminals but also help determine the appropriate amount of sentence for offenders based on their brain conditions. It will help prevent offenses and predict future crimes because advancements show patterns even in childhood. It was once considered that crimes were based only on social and environmental factors, but researchers have provided evidence of brain involvement, which shows the influence of the frontal lobe on criminal behaviors. The further discussion will answer the question regarding the brain and criminal behavior along with the emergence of techniques through the analysis of both criminal and non-criminal behaviors (Loeber¸ Byrd & Farrington, 2015).
Discussion
The relationship between criminal activity and brain function contains huge controversy and has been part of scientific debate, including philosophical and legal debates. If it is considered that the function of the brain plays a role in the criminal activity of any human being, what is the position of a criminal who is accountable for an offense? Research technologies have advanced and can examine the function of the brain through brain-scanning techniques. These techniques have given mixed results so far, which has only increased the debate. The common result regarding the function of the brain showed that those who have committed a crime or are criminals have a different set of brain functions as compared to a person who is not an offender. These differences could be possible due to behavior, or it is assumed that the change occurred after the crime was committed (Loeber¸ Byrd & Farrington, 2015).
Particularly in relation to brain parts, the studies showed that criminal behavior occurred when an injury affected the frontal lobe of the human brain. Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly referred to as MRI, showed in its results when examining the brain that the frontal lobe plays a role in the decision-making and planning behavior of human beings, including self-control. Damage to the frontal lobe, as shown in the MRI results, develops behavior that influences the human being to engage in abnormal social conduct. Another reason for considering the frontal lobe to play a role in criminal behavior is the influence it receives through the consumption of alcohol. This can give the idea that the frontal lobe plays a role when conducting any social act because alcohol also removes the common consciousness needed to make sane decisions (Smith, 2017).
Impairment of the ventromedial region and the amygdala in an unstable brain condition leads to psychopathy. Studies of criminals’ brains show past injuries to their frontal lobes. They suffered injuries that were associated with their unsuitable social behavior. On the other hand, it should also be considered, as shown by the study, that an injury to the frontal lobe does not necessarily lead to criminal conduct because many cases have shown that people with the same injury never committed criminal acts. This is the reason that the debate is ongoing due to the complex structure of the brain and variances in the results. So, creating any link between criminal behavior and a dysfunctional brain is not an easy thing. The field of neurolaw debates when and how dysfunction of the brain can influence a person’s behavior and lead to the rage they exhibit. Therefore, further studies should be conducted on similar cases in order to make a certain assumption regarding the matter or come to a conclusion about how influential brain function can be in turning a person into a criminal and causing an offense. The facts and results show that the frontal lobe may play a role in criminal behavior because of the influence it receives through the consumption of alcohol. This can give the idea that the frontal lobe plays a role when conducting any social act because alcohol also removes the common consciousness needed to make sane decisions (Woolhouse, McKinlay & Grace, 2017).
Several studies have been conducted in the field of neuroscience to answer the question of which parts can influence criminal behavior. One recent and significant piece of research presented evidence that there are some brain types that differ from those of the rest of the population and are found among criminals. Along with helping researchers understand and evaluate the reasons behind criminal behaviors, it also raises questions related to the moral approach to dealing with such criminals and crimes. This evidence can be a guideline for society to make decisions based on the moral use of this knowledge (Woolhouse, McKinlay & Grace, 2017).
A recent study of 21 people with antisocial personality disorders showed signs associated with criminal behavior. The evidence provided by the study showed that such minds often ignore the moral approach regarding right and wrong, violating rules and committing crimes. The study identified differences in the middle frontal and frontal lobes and a lack of gyrus in antisocial individuals with no other mental problems as reasons for this behavior. Psychopaths, as a result of antisocial behavior, develop deformation in parts of the brain, including the amygdala, which as a result reduces the size of the brain as compared to a normal human being’s brain. The mentioned deformation of the amygdala affects emotion, and the size is reduced due to being antisocial, which leads to a lack of emotion, and that is what a psychopath is. The affected emotions include remorse, guilt, and empathy, as shown in the study (Ray & Richardson, 2017).
The difference in the brain, whether because of deformation or any other reason, when compared with the brains of those who haven’t committed any offense, is associated with the difference in behavior. The study that indicated this result differentiated people living in two different sets of environments. Furthermore, this study included tests of emotions such as fear and reactions to fear, both mentally and physically. The lack of fear among those people who were part of the study and later became criminals was contrasted with those who showed visible responses to fear, mentally or physically, and led normal lives. The clear differences in the biological structure of the brain under the neurological basis of crime showed that significant differences were found between those who have never committed any crime and those who have committed serious offenses in their lives. The study also suggests that it is not compulsory that all people with antisocial behavior and psychopaths are criminals or have always committed serious crimes, but those who have been part of any criminal offense were found to have differences in their brains.
All the differences that have been witnessed through different studies show that the tendency of a person to possess such traits will be visible at an early age, even before the person engages in a crime or offense. Following the results and findings can provide great help in preventing crimes and maintaining order through a proactive approach. The risk of becoming a potential criminal can be seen and assumed between the ages of seven and twelve, even before a crime is committed. However, this possibility may change during later life (Barnes, Boutwell & Beaver, 2015).
The findings of different research raise the question of ethical choice. Those children who have the tendency to turn into psychopaths or social introverts need treatment, but doctors are hesitant about it. This is because the research only shows a possibility rather than a certainty, and they haven’t committed a crime, so doctors question why they should put them under the suggested treatments (Rusconi et al., 2016).
The images were taken during the research in order to identify and analyze the role that brain function and structure play in human behavior. The images clearly indicate that there are clear differences in the brain structure of criminals and non-criminals. The findings of this research explain the impulsive and callous behavior associated with antisocial or psychopathic behavior in committing a crime or offense. The prefrontal cortex and the frontal lobe have a reduced connection, which stops or eliminates emotions such as fear and empathy, which leads to crimes. Impairment of the ventromedial region and the amygdala in an unstable brain condition leads to psychopathy. Studies of criminals’ brains show past injuries to their frontal lobes. They suffered injuries that were associated with their unsuitable social behavior. On the other hand, it should also be considered, as shown by the study, that an injury to the frontal lobe does not necessarily lead to criminal conduct because many cases have shown that people with the same injury never committed criminal acts. This is the reason that the debate is ongoing due to the complex structure of the brain and variances in the results. So, creating any link between criminal behavior and a dysfunctional brain is not an easy thing. The field of neurolaw debates when and how dysfunction of the brain can influence a person’s behavior and lead to the rage they exhibit. Therefore, further studies should be conducted on similar cases in order to make a certain assumption regarding the matter or come to a conclusion about how influential brain function can be in turning a person into a criminal and causing an offense.
Another reason for considering the frontal lobe to play a role in criminal behavior is the influence it receives through the consumption of alcohol. This can give the idea that the frontal lobe plays a role when conducting any social act because alcohol also removes the common consciousness needed to make sane decisions. The difference in the brain, whether because of deformation or any other reason, when compared with the brains of those who haven’t committed any offense, is associated with the difference in behavior. The study that indicated this result differentiated people living in different sets of environments. Furthermore, this study included tests of emotions such as fear and reactions to fear, both mentally and physically. The lack of fear among those people who were part of the study and later became criminals was contrasted with those who showed visible responses to fear, mentally or physically, and led normal lives. The clear differences in the biological structure of the brain under the neurological basis of crime showed that significant differences were found between those who have never committed any crime and those who have committed serious offenses in their lives. The study also suggests that it is not compulsory that all people with antisocial behavior and psychopaths are criminals or have always committed serious crimes, but those who have been part of any criminal offense were found to have differences in their brains (Gatti & Rocca, 2015).
Two types of images were collected during the study, and the white matter showed reduced structural integrity in the diffusion tensor images. It connects with the two areas of the brain that function according to the structure. On the other hand, the other type of image shows the opposite result and a completely different structure in a normal population, with normal emotional functions (Nivedhini & Periyanayaki, 2017).
All the recent and new studies are exploring brain function with regard to the connection between criminal behavior and human brain structure. The main focus is on brain injuries, particularly the frontal lobe, which, as mentioned earlier, influences human behavior when injured in any way. The change in behavior is due to the altered connection of the frontal lobe to other parts of the brain. The decreased connection eliminates emotions such as fear and empathy, so human behavior tends to involve offensive and criminal conduct. The new technique also involves lesions and a wiring diagram similar to that of the human brain. A number of high-profile criminal cases were assessed in recent studies, and similar results were obtained using the proposed techniques (Perlin & Lynch, 2016).
A recent study of people with antisocial personality disorders showed signs associated with criminal behavior. The evidence provided by the study showed that such minds often ignore the moral approach regarding right and wrong and violate rules and commit crimes. The study identified differences in the middle frontal and frontal lobes and a lack of gyrus in antisocial individuals with no other mental problems as reasons for this behavior. Psychopaths, as a result of antisocial behavior, develop deformation in parts of the brain, including the amygdala, which as a result reduces the size of the brain as compared to a normal human being’s brain. The mentioned deformation of the amygdala affects emotion, and the size is reduced due to being antisocial, which leads to a lack of emotion, and that is what a psychopath is. The affected emotions include remorse, guilt, and empathy, as shown in the study (Fraldi et al., 2016).
The clear differences in the biological structure of the brain under the neurological basis of crime showed that significant differences were found between those who have never committed any crime and those who have committed serious offenses in their lives. The study also suggests that it is not compulsory that all people with antisocial behavior and psychopaths are criminals or have always committed serious crimes, but those who have been part of any criminal offense were found to have differences in their brains (Owen & Owen, 2015).
Brain-imaging techniques help researchers and doctors identify problems and analyze the human brain and its structure. There are a number of techniques approved by the relevant hospital facilities for brain imaging (Meijers, 2015). The following are those techniques:
- fMRI: Functional magnetic resonance imaging helps in measuring the activities of the brain. This technique works by identifying the oxygen level in blood, which changes naturally with brain activity. The level of oxygen helps in detecting changes in brain activity and the flow of blood in the brain. This technique also helps in looking at the involvement of the brain in different human activities overall.
- CT: Computed tomography is a technique that builds images from different X-rays of the brain. The procedure in this technique is based on sliding in and out of a cylindrical machine. The machine provides images of the structure and features of the brain through X-rays.
- PET: Positron Emission Tomography is a technique that uses radioactive material to provide a functional map of the brain. The overall image contains radioactive material, but areas showing higher concentrations of radioactive material indicate brain activity.
- EEG: Electroencephalography determines electrical activity that is recorded through a device called electrodes placed on the head. This technique is used mostly by researchers and in clinical settings for specific procedures.
- MEG: Magnetoencephalography is another technique involving electrical activity, which is determined through the magnetic field. This technique is used mostly by researchers and in clinical practices for specific procedures.
- NIRS: Near-infrared spectroscopy is also used to measure oxygen levels in the brain. It works through infrared light.
Neuroscientists have now started using patterns and structures of the brain through different techniques to distinguish between criminal and non-criminal minds. They have discovered significant differences between both types of brains, as mentioned earlier. Studies of criminals’ brains show past injuries to their frontal lobes. They suffered injuries that may be a biological reason for their unsuitable social behavior. On the other hand, it should also be considered, as shown by the study, that an injury to the frontal lobe does not necessarily lead to criminal conduct because many cases have shown that people with the same injury never committed criminal acts. This is the reason that the debate is ongoing due to the complex structure of the brain and variances in the results. So, creating any link between criminal behavior and a dysfunctional brain is not an easy thing. The field of neurolaw debates when and how dysfunction of the brain can influence a person’s behavior and lead to the rage they exhibit. Therefore, further studies should be conducted on similar cases in order to make a certain assumption regarding the matter or come to a conclusion about how influential brain function can be in turning a person into a criminal and causing an offense (Perez, Rubinstein & Dulac, 2016).
The lack of fear among those people who were part of the study and later became criminals was contrasted with those who showed visible responses to fear, mentally or physically, and led normal lives. The clear differences in the biological structure of the brain under the neurological basis of crime showed that significant differences were found between those who have never committed any crime and those who have committed serious offenses in their lives. The study also suggests that it is not compulsory that all people with antisocial behavior and psychopaths are criminals or have always committed serious crimes, but those who have been part of any criminal offense were found to have differences in their brains (Vaughn et al., 2014).
The researchers also emphasized that legal decision-makers should consider the results shown by their research. Before making a decision, the results may help determine what sentence should be given to offenders. Differences in brain types may help identify whether intent was related to a criminal mindset, as indicated by the research results. The injuries mentioned earlier suggest that the frontal lobes of criminals may differ from those of normal people. It’s a challenge for both the fields of law enforcement and medicine to collaborate on such issues (Heylen et al., 2015).
Conclusions
The concluding remarks are based on the research work so far, which remains predictive, but its development is helping the healthcare and criminal justice departments deal with behaviors influencing society rather than being only influenced by them. It was once considered that crimes were based only on social and environmental factors, but researchers have provided evidence of brain involvement, which shows the influence of the frontal lobe on criminal behaviors.
Researchers have made advancements that can examine the function of the brain through brain-scanning techniques. These techniques have given mixed results so far, which has only increased the debate. The common result regarding the function of the brain showed that those who have committed crimes or are criminals have a different set of brain functions as compared to people who are not offenders. These differences could be possible due to behavior, or it is assumed that the change occurred after the crime was committed. Several studies have been conducted in the field of neuroscience to answer the question of which parts can influence criminal behavior. One recent and significant piece of research presented evidence that there are some brain types that differ from those of the rest of the population and are found among criminals. The findings of this research explain the impulsive and callous behavior associated with antisocial or psychopathic behavior in committing a crime or offense. The prefrontal cortex and the frontal lobe have a reduced connection, which stops or eliminates emotions such as fear and empathy, which leads to crimes. Impairment of the ventromedial region and the amygdala in an unstable brain condition leads to psychopathy. All the recent and new studies are exploring brain function with regard to the connection between criminal behavior and human brain structure. The main focus is on brain injuries, particularly the frontal lobe, which, as mentioned earlier, influences human behavior when injured in any way. The brain-imaging techniques are fMRI, CT, PET, EEG, MEG, and NIRS. Studies of criminals’ brains show past injuries to their frontal lobes. They suffered injuries that were associated with their unsuitable social behavior. On the other hand, it should also be considered, as shown by the study, that an injury to the frontal lobe does not necessarily lead to criminal conduct because many cases have shown that people with the same injury never committed any criminal act.
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