SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Walker R, Clark JJ, Monahan EC, Shechet A, Agharkar BS, Kheibari A, Victor Iii G. Behav. Sci. Law 2018; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/bsl.2353

PMID

30004137

Abstract

In this article we propose a mitigation approach in those capital murder cases where traditional mitigation themes such as mental illness or low IQ are not present. To avoid prosecution characterization of these defendants as simply evil or antisocial personalities, we suggest reframing the issue as one of moral incompetence, based not on character defect but rather stemming from profoundly neglectful or abusive parenting. Under this reframing, defense teams would present evidence about the many antecedents of poor moral competence, its origins in neglect or abuse, its neurophysiological basis, and, most importantly, its potential for change. Evaluation in such cases would pay close attention to early childhood and family characteristics. We also recommend presentation of research findings showing how moral competence can be improved in adulthood, given appropriate guidance and support. This approach to mitigation is consistent with much of the developmental literature. But juror responses to these mitigation themes are as yet unknown.

© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Language: en

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print