Forensic Neuropsychological and Neurological Evaluation of Violence

John Matthew Fabian

Violence is a multifactorial and socially as well as psychologically, neuropsychologically and neurologically driven behavior. Qualified experts in the field assist judges, juries and attorneys to understand the relationship between violence and mental illness and the brain. This chapter provides an in-depth examination of the field, including the literature of brain structure and function, mental illness and neurobiological disorders vis-à-vis violence, as well as how the issues are evaluated by professionals in this unique area of expertise.

Particular topics include:

Juvenile proceedings, the Kent criteria for juvenile transfer and neuroscientific evidence

Discussion of factors that contribute to violence, including developmental trauma, PTSD and TBI

 Discussion of the lack of a clear link between autism spectrum disorder and violence

 Competency to stand trial and waive Miranda rights law and neuroscientific evidence

 Insanity and diminished capacity law and neuroscientific evidence

The neurobiology and neuroanatomy of psychopathy and neuropsychological testing for psychopathy

Discussion of the neuropsychological and neurological links with violence and sexual violence

The relationship between substance abuse, its neurocognitive and neurological affects and violence

The relationship between low IQ, Verbal IQ and language disorders and violence

Review of the neurological and neuropsychological abnormalities in structure and function related to violence

Death penalty law, mitigation and neuroscientific evidence

The relationship between neurodevelopmental deficits and conduct disorders (such as ADHD and ODD) and violence

Discussion of the appropriate areas of expertise of the different specialties in this area

 In addition to a thorough review of the literature on neurological and neuropsychological correlates to violence, in-depth analysis of relevant case law is also included. Lawyers, judges and experts alike will find the Forensic Neuropsychological and Neurological Evaluation of Violence chapter a key resource when dealing with neuropsychological and neurological issues in the courtroom.