J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 37:2:239-244 (2009)
Copyright © 2009 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
Neuroimaging, Culture, and Forensic Psychiatry
Neil K. Aggarwal, MD, MBA, MA
Dr. Aggarwal is a PGY-2 Resident in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT.
Address correspondence to: Neil K. Aggarwal, MD, MBA, MA, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511. E-mail: neil.k.aggarwal{at}gmail.com
The spread of neuroimaging technologies around the world has led to diverse practices of forensic psychiatry and the emergence of neuroethics and neurolaw. This article surveys the neuroethics and neurolegal literature on the use of forensic neuroimaging within the courtroom. Next, the related literature within medical anthropology and science and technology studies is reviewed to show how debates about forensic neuroimaging reflect cultural tensions about attitudes regarding the self, mental illness, and medical expertise. Finally, recommendations are offered on how forensic psychiatrists can add to this research, given their professional interface between law and medicine. At stake are the fundamental concerns that surround changing conceptions of the self, sickness, and expectations of medicine.
Copyright © 2009 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
