title: Opportunities, threats and limitations of neuroscience data in forensic psychiatric evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the last decade, a number of studies have been published to shed light on the interaction between neuroscience and the law, notably on the introduction of neuroscience data in forensic psychiatric evaluation (FPE). Even if there is a growing consensus on the relevance of neuroscience in clinical practice, the role of neuroscience in FPE is still controversial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of neuroscience data in FPE can support the detection of psychopathological disabilities (e.g. deficit of self-control, aggressiveness) that may be involved in criminal action. Traumatic brain injury-related clinical disorders that may lead to misconduct have a relevant role in the debate. Traditionally, literature refers also to rare and weird cases in which brain tumours, infections and morphological abnormalities were supposed to be significantly associated with disorders leading to criminal action.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After reviewing recent literature from both legal and neuroscientific perspectives, we consider a broader range of clinical conditions (e.g. disorders of consciousness in sleepwalking, dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease, misattributions of self in delusional experience) that may have implications in legal settings. Obviously, it would be possible to consider also different clinical conditions. We conclude by suggesting further experimental and theoretical analysis.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biomedical Ethics, Geneva University Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. luca.casartelli@unige.ch
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Casartelli
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chiamulera
mesh_terms: D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology; D003416:Criminal Law / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012941:Social Responsibility