LAW AND NEUROSCIENCE: OUR GROWING UNDERSTANDING OF THE HUMAN BRAIN AND ITS IMPACT ON OUR LEGAL SYSTEM

Hosted by the European Science Foundation (ESF) in partnership with COST European Cooperation in Science and Technology.
Aquafredda de Maratea, Italy
October 28-31, 2009

In the past two decades, the field of Neuroscience has made significant progress in understanding the human brain. Many expect that this research will make further strides over the next decade. And many suggest that this knowledge could have a profound impact on the future of our legal system and legal practice. There has been much speculation over whether developments in neuroscience will overturn legal paradigms (e.g., by shattering the concept of free will). This conference will sidestep such speculations to address empirical evidence and current research on the likely impacts of neuroscience on legal practice, with a specific focus on European legal systems.

Topics will include:

• The legal and societal impact of recent neurobiological research on aggression, impulsivity and anti social conduct;
• The impact of brain imaging technologies on the criminal justice system. Impact of neuroscience on criminal responsibility, sentencing and punishment;
• Evidence from current cases in criminal and civil law on the impact of neuroscience on witness credibility and the rules of evidence. Problems, possibilities and perils of neuroscience based lie detection;
• The implications of the use of neuroscience for screening, risk prediction and preventive interventions;
• Challenges to law and regulation in Europe posed by the neurosciences.
• The aim is to establish a dialogue between neuroscientists, legal practitioners, researchers in sociolegal studies and social scientists, to further mutual understanding and make some realistic evaluations of the potential developments at the intersection of neuroscience and law.

The aim is to establish a dialogue between neuroscientists, legal practitioners, researchers in sociolegal studies and social scientists, to further mutual understanding and make some realistic evaluations of the potential developments at the intersection of neuroscience and law.

Application Form
To apply, fill in the Application Form
Closing date for application (as well as for abstract submission): 16 July 2009

For more information, please visit the conference website.

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