Law and Neuroscience

Abstract

This provides the Table of Contents and Chapter 1 of the 2nd edition our coursebook “Law and Neuroscience” (2020, from Aspen Publishing). The book provides user-friendly introductions to, as well as detailed explorations of, the many current and emerging issues at the intersection of law and neuroscience.

More specifically, the book lays general foundations by exploring the relationships between law and science generally, and by comparing the views from law and from neuroscience regarding behavior and responsibility. It also explains for a legal audience the basics of brain structure and function, the methods for investigating each, and both the promise and the limitations of modern neuroscience technologies. Core themes include new law/neuroscience issues pertaining to: brain injuries, pain and distress, memory, emotions, lie detection, judging, adolescence, addiction, the aging brain, and brain death. Closing units explore current and coming legal issues surrounding cognitive enhancement, brain-machine interfaces, and artificial intelligence. Given the scope and nature of coverage, the book is designed to serve both as a course-book (in graduate as well as undergraduate departments) and as a reference text for judges, practicing attorneys, and scholars interested in law and neuroscience.

Keywords: law and neuroscience, psychology, neurolaw, criminal responsibility, tort liability, evidence, brain, memory, injury, emotion, lie detection, judging, psychopathy, fMRI, EEG, decision making, aging, neuroethics, punishment, sentencing

JEL Classification: K13, K14, K40, K42