This is something I ponder frequently as a graduate student studying neuropsychology. My training in the clinical applications of neuropsych, and my research in neuroscience leads to a strong bias that we are a product of our brains. I know that in the future, I may be handling cases like the story presented here.
Under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc. we may behave in ways that we would not normally behave. The same is true for medical issues like tumors or lesions, or chronic neuropsychiatric conditions, as these have an impact on neurological functioning. With this said, it is hard to draw the line at times. A man with a brain tumor, will never do those cruel acts again once the tumor is removed, and never would have raped/molested etc without the tumor being present. He was clearly not in his right state of mind from his illness. The justice system is about reforming and correcting behavior. Surgery in this case would take care of that. Someone who drinks alcohol in excess would also suffer from a lack of judgement, as this has a direct impact on your executive functioning. This individual would be made an example of, because of his substance use.
It is a very difficult to remove social biases from this, as well as the fact that life isn't black and white. Personally I struggle with this and my view flip-flops as I can see both sides of the coin.
Under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc. we may behave in ways that we would not normally behave. The same is true for medical issues like tumors or lesions, or chronic neuropsychiatric conditions, as these have an impact on neurological functioning. With this said, it is hard to draw the line at times. A man with a brain tumor, will never do those cruel acts again once the tumor is removed, and never would have raped/molested etc without the tumor being present. He was clearly not in his right state of mind from his illness. The justice system is about reforming and correcting behavior. Surgery in this case would take care of that. Someone who drinks alcohol in excess would also suffer from a lack of judgement, as this has a direct impact on your executive functioning. This individual would be made an example of, because of his substance use.
It is a very difficult to remove social biases from this, as well as the fact that life isn't black and white. Personally I struggle with this and my view flip-flops as I can see both sides of the coin.
