Open Access

The examination of neuroscientific evidence in the criminal trial process: The importance of collaboration between criminal law and neuroscience

1 İzmir Regional Court of Justice, Criminal Division, İzmir, Turkiye

Abstract

This study addresses the significance of utilizing neuroscientific evidence within the criminal trial process and explores the potential collaboration between criminal law and neuroscience. Advances in the field of neuroscience have enhanced our understanding of human behavior and decision-making processes, allowing for a reevaluation of core concepts in criminal law, such as volition, fault, and liability. Initially, the research provides an overview of the historical development of neuroscience and fundamental insights into the functioning of the human brain. Subsequently, it focuses on the potential of neuroimaging techniques to shed light on the brain mechanisms behind criminal behaviors. These methodologies offer new perspectives on predicting criminal actions, rehabilitating offenders, and personalizing penalties. The evaluation of neuroscientific evidence during the criminal trial process emerges as an area capable of inducing significant changes in legal practice. Employing this evidence to base judicial decisions on scientific data contributes to the more effective protection of the right to a fair trial. The paper advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the interaction between criminal law and neuroscience, aiming to ensure that decisions within the judicial process are both fair and scientifically grounded.

Keywords

How to Cite

Kan, C. H. (2025). The examination of neuroscientific evidence in the criminal trial process: The importance of collaboration between criminal law and neuroscience. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 16(59), 511–565. https://doi.org/10.70736/ijoess.592

References

📄 Abrahams, P. (Ed.). (2021). Beyin nasıl çalışır? Beynin işlevini, zihni ve kişiliği anlamak. ODTÜ Yayıncılık.
📄 Akal, C. B. (2021). Özgür irade reddi ve natüralizm açısından hukuki bilimden nörobilime. In O. Erözden, S. H. Günler, M. E. Palteki, & C. Uysal (Eds.), Özgür irade? Hukuk, nörobilim, psikoloji ve ötesi (pp. 21–37). Zoe Kitap.
📄 Akbulut, B. (2020). Ceza hukuku genel hükümler (7th ed.). Adalet Yayınevi.
📄 Akmatalieva, G. (2020). Türkiye ve Kırgızistan ceza muhakemesi hukukunda belirti delili [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Selçuk Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü.
📄 Alıcı, T. (2021). Bilinç günlük davranışlarımızın neresinde? In O. Erözden & Others (Eds.), Özgür irade? Hukuk, nörobilim, psikoloji ve ötesi (pp. 61–71). Zoe Kitap.