Forensic Neuroscience and Violence

"Dr. Fabian and his co-authors breathe new life into our understanding of the psychodynamics, psychopathology, and neurobiology of violence in this massive and masterful textbook for our lifetime. This monumental volume underscores a fundamental scientific truth: without data, theory is just speculation; without theory data is just counting."
--J. Reid Meloy, PhD, ABPP, Forensic Psychologist and Research Psychoanalyst

"In criminal forensic work, violence seems to be a perpetual issue, as does the evolution of our understanding of individuals who commit violent acts against others. Dr. Fabian has pulled together the most comprehensive review and analysis of the current state of our understanding of violence and its progenitors available in any single source. If you work in the criminal arena, attorney or expert, you will be glad you have this resource so easily accessible."
--Cecil R. Reynolds, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience at Texas A&M University and Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Pediatric Neuropsychology

"Forensic Neuroscience and Violence is an excellent compendium of the relation of neuropsychology and neuroscience to the manifold problems of violence that beset the criminal and civil justice systems. It is a reference work that should be on the shelf of any researcher or practitioner who addresses violent conduct."
--Stephen J. Morse, J.D., PH.D., Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law & Professor of Psychology and Law in Psychiatry, U. of Pennsylvania

Discover the most up-to-date information on the forensic neuroscience of violence

Forensic Neuroscience and Violence offers a contemporary, rigorous, and comprehensive examination of the intersection of neuroscience, violence, and the law. Drawing on the most current empirical research, this volume explores neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurological conditions and empirically based risk factors associated with violent and sexually violent behavior, while translating complex neuroscientific findings into meaningful forensic and legal applications in the courtroom. Informed by feedback from leading scholars and forensic professionals, the book integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, and law.

Through detailed case examples and relevant caselaw, the book examines the forensic use of neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging methods within criminal legal proceedings, presenting forensic neuroscience, neurocriminology, and neurolaw in a fundamental, coherent, and practical manner. Particular emphasis is placed on the neuroanatomy of brain dysfunction in both juvenile and adult offender populations, and on how these impairments relate to violence and the specific forensic legal questions posed to experts.

Authored by John Matthew Fabian, PSY.D., J.D., ABPP, a nationally recognized expert in forensic psychology and neuropsychology, this work integrates decades of clinical, forensic, and courtroom experience. Dr. Fabian provides a meticulous analysis of neuropsychological and neuroscientific risk factors for violence and aggression, demonstrating how these findings inform forensic mental health assessment, expert testimony, and the law.

Forensic Neuroscience and Violence is an essential resource for professionals in forensic neuropsychology, forensic psychology, forensic psychiatry, and neurocriminology, as well as for attorneys, judges, graduate students, researchers, and academics working at the intersection of neuroscience and the criminal justice system. It will also earn a valued place in the libraries of those working in violence and sexual violence risk assessment, criminal behavior and neurocriminology, developmental psychopathology, social work, addiction and dual-diagnosis, and related disciplines.