Skip to main content

MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

News

New Book: Brain Science for Lawyers, Judges, and Policymakers

(Download Table of Contents and 2 Sample Chapters here)

(For paperback now, or hard-cover pre-order, click here)

* * * * * * * * * *

The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience announces the publication of: Brain Science for Lawyers, Judges, and Policymakers.

  • The book addresses the issue of neuroscientific evidence by providing a user-friendly guide to neuroscience for legal professionals. 
  • It covers fundamental concepts and offers insights into the application of neuroscience in litigation, legislation, and regulation.
  • It emphasizes understanding brain science terms, interpreting evidence appropriately, and provides cautions and observations about the future of neurolaw, guiding readers through the promise and limitations of using brain science in the legal realm.

Further description below. 

Brain science in the form of neuroscientific evidence now appears frequently in courtrooms and policy discussions alike. Many legal issues are at stake, such as how to separate the best uses of brain science information from those that are potentially biasing or misleading. It is crucial to evaluate brain science evidence in light of relevant legal standards (such as the Daubert and Frye Rules).

Brain Science for Lawyers, Judges, and Policymakers responds to this rapidly changing legal landscape, providing a user-friendly introduction to the fundamentals of neuroscience for lawyers, advocates, judges, legal academics, and policymakers. It features detailed but clear illustrations, as well as a comprehensive and accessible overview of developments in legally relevant neuroscience. Readers will learn brain science terms, how to understand and discuss brain structure and function in legally relevant contexts, and how to avoid over- or under-interpreting neuroscientific evidence.

The book begins with a survey of the kinds of litigation, legislation, and regulation where neuroscience is currently being used. It provides accessible descriptions of basic brain anatomy and brain function as well as an overview of how modern technologies can reveal the brain structures and brain functions of individuals. It finishes with cautions and limitations, including timely and thought-provoking observations about where the future of neurolaw might lead. Throughout, the authors offer clear and concise guidance on understanding both the promise and the limitations of using brain science in law and policymaking.

* * * * * * * * * *

This book is the latest of more than 100 publications of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience (www.lawneuro.gov).

 


Neurolaw News is produced by  The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience , headquartered at Vanderbilt Law School, 131 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, under the directorship of Owen D. Jones.  

Further Information   

Generally:                            http://www.lawneuro.org/   

Neurolaw Bibliography:    http://www.lawneuro.org/bibliography.php  

Neurolaw News Archives: http://www.lawneuro.org/listserv.php#archives  

Neurolaw Video Channel: http://www.lawneuro.org/videos.php  

Phone inquiries:                 (615) 343-1287