Penal Neuroabolitionism: Advancing Legal Reform for a Fair Criminal System With Neuroscience

Setiawan Noerdajasakti; Kiki  Kristanto; Zico Junius Fernando; Panca Sarjana Putra; Nabilaa Mohamed

doi:10.15294/jllr.v7i4.19949

Authors

Setiawan Noerdajasakti Faculty of Law, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1573-1996
Kiki Kristanto Faculty of Law, Universitas Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4056-8149
Zico Junius Fernando Faculty of Law, Universitas Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7285-2147
Panca Sarjana Putra Faculty of Law, Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8898-1530
Nabilaa Mohamed Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3178-1597

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15294/jllr.v7i4.19949

Keywords:

Penal Neuroabolitionism, Legal System, Neurosciences, Indonesia

Abstract

Penal Neuroabolitionism represents a radical approach that challenges traditional criminal law by emphasizing the significant influence of biological and environmental factors on human behavior. Rooted in neuroscience, this perspective argues that legal systems must be reformed to consider conditions such as brain disorders impacting individuals’ decision-making processes. Penal Neuroabolitionism aspires to establish a more just and scientifically informed legal system by fostering collaboration between neuroscience and law. The primary objective of this study is to explore the potential of Penal Neuroabolitionism to reform criminal law by integrating insights from neuroscience. It aims to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with applying neurological evidence in courts, while proposing pathways for developing a legal framework that accurately reflects the complexities of human behavior. Using a normative legal method, this research employs conceptual, comparative, and futuristic approaches, supported by content analysis of legal texts, neuroscience studies, and relevant case studies. The study’s descriptive and prescriptive analysis highlights practical challenges, such as the correct interpretation of neurological evidence in court, the need for robust neuroscience infrastructure, and the transformative opportunities it presents for legal reform. Findings indicate that while Penal Neuroabolitionism offers immense potential to reshape criminal law by incorporating neuroscience insights, its implementation requires multidisciplinary collaboration between legal and neuroscience professionals. This collaboration is essential to ensure that the integration of neuroscience into criminal law advances scientific understanding and promotes justice and fairness within the legal system.

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