Acquired brain injury and criminal behaviour
Available empirical evidence suggests that damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain is associated with an increase in the potential for aggressive, violent and criminal behaviour.
Individuals with frontal lobe damage may:
- have short attention spans;
- have difficulty regulating emotional responses and inhibiting impulses;
- have difficulty switching behaviour when necessary and empathising with others;
- are unable to recognise the full impact of their behaviour on others; and
- have a lessened capacity to self-correct, learn and think flexibly.
These deficits mean that when a person with frontal lobe damage engages in
behaviour, they are likely to repeat such behaviour. This may exacerbate their
own frustration because of the continual inability to control emotions and to elicit
desired responses from others.
Download the full fact sheet: Acquired brain injury and the criminal justice system [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 432 KB]



