Psychopathy is a mental disorder closely associated with marked emotional dysfunctions, limited capacity for moral judgments, recidivistic offending, and poor treatment outcome. Considering its peculiar characteristics, the status of psychopathy in the field of law raises several issues. One of the most prominent issues is whether offenders who suffer from psychopathy should be legally excused for their actions. In this seminar, three leading experts in neurocriminology, law, and philosophy will consider if, and how, insights into the neurobiological roots of psychopathy might contribute to the reconsideration of the responsibility of psychopathic offenders and how criminal justice should optimally respond to individuals suffering from such a controversial disorder.
Speakers:
Stephen J. Morse, Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law; Professor of Psychology and Law in Psychiatry; Associate Director, Center for Neuroscience & Society, University of Pennsylvania Law School
Adrian Raine, Richard Perry University Professor of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
Katrina L. Sifferd, Associate Professor and Chair of Philosophy, Elmhurst College
Discussant:
Kathryn Tabb, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Columbia University
Moderator:
Federica Coppola, Presidential Scholar in Society and Neuroscience, Columbia University
