Replies

It makes some sense that the brain could have abnormalities in the areas that control emotion just like it sometimes has abnormalities in other areas. It sounds like they compared people who had head injuries with some of these people. Still, unless you know the nature of their brain when they were young, you could not entirely conclude it was nature and not nurture. Or it could even have been an unknown head injury — baby shaking, falling, concussion, sports, etc. Could it be that they had some head injury along the way that caused damage or were they truly just born unable to empathize or feel guilt, at least in the way that it connects with their ability to feel fear and restraint?

Do you think since it is an abnormality that they cannot be held criminally guilty of crimes? That it is not their fault they were born that way?

Could it be that they had some head injury along the way that caused damage or were they truly just born unable to empathize or feel guilt, at least in the way that it connects with their ability to feel fear and restraint?

I think they are born that way. Many other studies indicate there were no traumatic causes in childhood.

Do you think since it is an abnormality that they cannot be held criminally guilty of crimes? That it is not their fault they were born that way?

That is an interesting question. Canada just finished an extensive study and came to the conclusion Psychopaths are not mentally ill and are very conscious of their behavior. Great Britain on the other hand lumped them in with the mentally ill, allowing for guilty by reason of insanity.

My opinion is even if they were born that way, they are aware of their actions. If they are aware of the legal right and wrong, then they should be punished according to society.

A very good link on the subject is here:

Welcome to "Without Conscience" Robert Hare's Web Site devoted to the study of Psychopathy

This is best resource on the subject.