Defining the characteristics of a violent offender: a multi-component perspective from the brain to the environment

The topic that this paper is investigating is what separates a violent offender (VO) from the general population. This topic is important to this field because it can help provide early intervention, rehabilitation, and treatment for VOs in addition to bestowing them with fair sentences in the criminal justice system. The gaps in this research are heavily focused on women, which is addressed. This study aims to provide information on what makes VOs different in order to dispel bias concerning neuroscientific and genetic evidence and encourage better treatments. My research is a compilation of over 60 sources, which I compare and contrast, evaluate, and summarize findings regarding the judicial system, female VOs, and genetic and neuroscientific evidence. I found that genetics, brain structure, nurture, and nature play heavily into our differences, which is vital to consider in the judicial system. These findings contribute to the field of psychology as it raises awareness about the importance of genetic and neuroscientific evidence and tries to identify warning signs in adolescents.