On the viability and potential value of current and emerging neuroscience and technologies to the practice of forensic science.

Abstract

As developments in neuroscience and neurotechnology (neuroS/T) advance, the criminal justice system’s consideration of, and interest in the applications of such technologies to forensics and legal proceedings are also increasing. In light of these advances, considerations and interest, it becomes essential to address the pragmatic validity, viability and potential value of neuroS/T to forensics and law. This essay describes ways that implementation of neuroS/T can directly benefit the forensic science community; identifies limitations of, and concerns about forensic use of neurioS/T; and proposes recommendations that may be useful when considering and/or implementing neuroS/T in forensic contexts. Toward such ends, we posit the value of an implementation science framework to identify and analyze extant gaps (in both neuroS/T and forensic sciences and law) and offer ways that such gaps can - and arguably should - be compensated, closed or prevented in order to promote ethical interdisciplinary and systemic utility, effectiveness, and efficiency.