Abstract
Current research slowly unveils the mystery of the psychopath and his or her criminal behavior. Psychopathy is a developmental disorder defined by antisocial behavior and deficits in emotional responsiveness. This disorder results in both instrumental and reactive aggression. Instrumental aggression is also referred to as predatory or proactive aggression. Elevated levels of instrumental aggression distinguish psychopathy from other psychiatric disorders. Reactive aggression occurs as an impulsive reaction to a threatening or frustrating event. Instrumental aggression, on the other hand, involves purposeful behavior to achieve a desired goal (e.g., mugging to obtain money). Calculation or willful deliberation accompanies instrumental aggression. Unlike reactive aggression, instrumental aggression does not involve strong emotional responses. Research indicates the likelihood of engaging in instrumental violence increases with psychopathic criminals as opposed to non-psychopathic criminals." Moreover, psychopathy consists of two groups of interrelated characteristics, which can be further divided into four subgroups. These subgroups include affective, impulsive, antisocial, and interpersonal characteristics. Affective traits include callousness, lack of guilt, and lack of empathy. Impulsive characteristics include capriciousness and stimulation-seeking. Antisocial traits refer to criminal behavior, and interpersonal features include manipulation, pathological lying, and superficial charm.
Repository Citation
Shanée Brown,
Impunity for the Incorrigible Psychopath?: Neurobiological Abnormalities Do Not Exempt Psychopaths From Criminal Responsibility
, 7 Charlotte L. Rev. 239
(2016),
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/fac_artchop/1704
Previously published on SSRN .