College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2026-04-30 09:18:20
Major
Psychology
Honors Course
PSYC 498
Number of Credits
4
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
This literature review examines the relationship between the neurobiological determinants of psychopathy and the ethical implications of applying capital punishment to violent offenders. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, and criminal justice, the paper explores how structural and functional differences in brain regions associated with emotional processing, impulse control, and moral reasoning are linked to psychopathic traits. The review synthesizes findings on how these neurobiological factors may contribute to an increased risk of violent behavior while emphasizing that such influences are not deterministic. The paper further analyzes how neuroscientific evidence is interpreted within legal contexts, particularly in relation to assessments of culpability and sentencing in capital cases. While individuals with psychopathic traits are generally considered capable of understanding right from wrong, impairments in emotional processing may complicate traditional assumptions of full moral responsibility. In response to these challenges, the paper also considers how multiple forms of evidence including psychological assessments, neurobiological findings, and behavioral history, might be more systematically integrated into legal decision-making. It proposes a conceptual framework for organizing such information to support more consistent evaluation of mitigating factors while acknowledging important ethical and practical limitations. Overall, the findings suggest that neurobiological evidence of psychopathy complicates, but does not eliminate, legal responsibility, instead supporting its consideration as a mitigating factor in capital sentencing. The review highlights the need for continued interdisciplinary research and more consistent standards for integrating neuroscientific evidence into legal decision-making.
Research Sponsor
Kevin Kaut
First Reader
Philip Allen
Second Reader
Nikolina Kravljaca
Honors Faculty Advisor
Kevin Kaut
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Brooklyn, "Neurobiological Determinants of Psychopathy and Their Ethical Implications in Capital Punishment Cases" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2150.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2150
Included in
Biological Psychology Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Law and Psychology Commons, Other Psychology Commons