Criminal behaviors, especially those that are considered exceptionally violent or heinous in the eyes of the general population, are often considered through the context of intent. In this perception, one would assume that the individual has some form of identifiable motive that others would, to some extent, be able to rationalize as the reason that these behaviors were exhibited. For instance, while most people would not kill over money or jealousy, these concepts provide some rationale for the reason that the perpetrator took the life of another person. However, for many crimes, there is no clear-cut rationalization but rather these crimes appear random and without cause. For this reason, researchers and forensic criminologists have began to consider the biological and neurological processes involved in the rationalization of these crimes among the most dangerous and notorious criminals. To better understand these processes, this paper presents evidence relating to the brain dysfunctions that may be responsible for these crimes.

According to the research, brain dysfunctions can range from innate chemical neurological conditions to developed mental health issues that stem from early abuse or trauma (Glenn & Raine, 2014). Notably, many of the perpetrators are unaware of these underlying conditions and may not know the reason for their behaviors. Martell (1992) explains that the majority of mental health conditions have been identified as relevant to criminal prosecution and therefore play a significant role in understanding the processes of rationalizing these behaviors, at least in the mind of the perpetrator. However, the researcher further explains that there are controversial approaches to explaining the differences between organic and functional mental health disorders that is currently being addressed through neurophysiological studies (Martell, 1992). The controversies, according to Martell (1992) are related to the concept that the presence of an abnormality is not enough to explain the crime but rather a clear quantifiable evidence of the consequences of the abnormality is necessary.

The answer to this controversy, according to Glenn and Raine (2014) lies in the continuation of research and the ability of the studies to show both predictive and explanatory applications of the findings. In other words, the research continues to be in its infancy stage which means that the findings may not yet be applicable to current cases. However, it is possible that, through researching the minds of those who have committed such crimes, a predictive model may be developed if enough correlating evidence is gathered. Such imaging and research have already produced enough evidence to assert that “reduced functioning in the frontal lobe of the brain is to date the best-replicated brain imaging correlate of antisocial and violent behavior” (Glenn & Raine, 2014). The question, then, is whether or not the presence of this reduction in function is enough to rationalize the behaviors as being related to a neurological condition for the purpose of exoneration. According to Glenn and Raine (2014) the answer to this underlying question has yet to be determined but, at the very least, the knowledge provides some understanding of the behaviors that leave the public in disbelief.

While it is not possible to conduct predictive neurological studies on all individuals in an effort to prevent heinous crimes in the future, it is possible to establish guidelines that will seek to understand and appropriately treat those who suffer from these conditions. The ongoing research may lead to a better method of prediction and treatment protocols that could take away much of the controversy regarding criminal behaviors. According to Glenn and Raine (2014) the potential for identifying all brain dysfunctions and the applicable consequences in a way that will meet the requirements of the justice system is within reach but will take many studies and, unfortunately, many cases to achieve this understanding. For now, it is clear that the functions in the brain, or rather the dysfunctions, can help to understand why these crimes take place and how the perpetrators are able to rationalize their behaviors despite having the outward appearance or normalcy.