[PA Engineer]

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.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

One more thing and I won’t bother you any more.

What about Nazi phenom? I read a book about how many started out with a lot of guilt but after awhile they got used to it and stopped feeling guilt at all. They actually began to enjoy it. Isn’t it possible that those labeled psychopaths actually went through a similar transition where they became completely desensitized?

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

BTW, it is not that I didn’t pay attention. I know there are differences in the brain. But differences in the brain can develop, just as with people who study music compared to those who don’t. So brain differences may or may not indicate they were born that way. The only real proof would be to study the children of psychopaths and their brains from birth onward. In my opinion anyway.

I think they are responsible as you say, because they know it is wrong even if they do not feel it is wrong.