Describe two ways in which neuroscience research has been used to influence legal decisions and, therefore, the law.
What will be an ideal response?
Ans: Neuroscience research shows that the adolescent brain is different from that of an adult; thus, adolescents should be held responsible for their actions to a different degree than should adults. As a result, adolescents cannot receive the sentences of life without parole or the death penalty. Secondly, neuroscience research shows that memory is not like a video recording, and it can be influenced by a number of factors. For example, individuals of a different race may be harder to identify than a person of your own race. Also, use of drugs and alcohol can influence memory recall. As a result, jurors are instructed to account for these factors when weighing evidence.
Learning Objective: 16.5 Discuss neuroscience and evolutionary perspectives on the legal aspects of psychopathology
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Neuroscience and Evolutionary Perspectives on the Legal Aspects of Psychopathology
Difficulty Level: Medium
You might also like to view...
Which of the following is most accurate regarding the trait of hope?
a. ?Hope is largely independent of motivation and planning. b. ?Hopeful people withstand more pain and stress because they believe the future will be better. c. ?Hope may lead to limited problem solving due to false optimism. d. ?Hopeful people prefer independent living as opposed to strong social networks.
Which condition is most common in the United States?
a. schizophrenia b. anxiety c. mood d. substance abuse
What term describes a child's quickness, ease of approach to new situations, intensity, and mood?
a) nature b) disposition c) temperament d) adaptability
Emotions are often visibly expressed on the face. In what ways have modern psychologists confirmed Darwin's concepts regarding facial expressions? Describe Paul Ekman's research regarding the expression of emotion
What will be an ideal response?