The psychopathic mind: psychopathology and criminal responsibility
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2026.v16.1608Keywords:
psychopathy, criminal responsibility, imputability, forensic psychiatry, legal psychology, psychopath, antisocial personality disorderAbstract
Introduction: Psychopathy is a psychiatric construct characterized by interpersonal, affective, and behavioral traits, including superficial charm, manipulation, lack of empathy, absence of remorse, impulsivity, and antisocial behavior. Since the classic description by Hervey Cleckley and the systematic framework developed by Robert D. Hare, the concept has become highly relevant in forensic psychiatry. Objective: To describe the main psychopathological features of psychopathy and discuss their implications for criminal responsibility under Brazilian legislation and case law. Method: This narrative review, conducted according to SANRA recommendations, analyzed 18 references selected from PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO, including empirical studies, review articles, seminal works, and legal documents. Discussion: Although neurobiological findings suggest abnormalities in emotional processing, psychopaths retain the cognitive capacity to understand the wrongfulness of their actions. Conclusion: Therefore, the prevailing view in Brazil is that psychopathy, by itself, does not exclude criminal responsibility, and such individuals are generally considered fully accountable for their offenses. Nevertheless, the diagnosis is highly relevant for assessing recidivism risk, dangerousness, and management strategies within the criminal justice system.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Milena Ferreira França Alexandre, Alexandre Martins Valença, Lisieux Elaine Borba Telles, José Brasileiro Dourado Junior, Antônio Geraldo da Silva
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