The criminal mind of Charles Manson: a look from forensic neuroscience

Abstract

Forensic neuropsychology integrates disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology and law, focusing its attention on brain alterations, thus allowing a deeper understanding of brain dysfunctions which may influence criminal behaviors. The study to be presented analyzes the case of Charles Manson, an individual famous for his acts of manipulation and murder in the 1960s, which demonstrates how alterations in the brain can be linked to criminal behaviors. The primary goal of this research will be to integrate neuropsychological findings allowing us to provide a broader understanding of criminal behavior. Therefore, the Manson case is presented as the starting point to study the interaction between brain dysfunctions, environmental and psychological factors present in the individual. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive review of criminal behavior and forensic neuropsychology was conducted. The efficacy of the selected studies was evaluated, thus allowing the extraction of valuable information, in this way an optimal analysis was achieved, which facilitated the identification of key patterns present in subjects with criminal behavior. The results obtained show alterations in brain areas such as the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, which are associated with emotional control and impulse regulation, directly linked to lack of empathy and aggressive behaviors. It is crucial to highlight the interaction between neurobiological factors and traumatic experiences present in childhood, as these aspects pose different variables which may combine to give rise to extreme criminal behaviors.