Looking under the hood of the criminal justice system, it is easy to see broken components and low levels of vital elements such as compassion, kindness, and love. This dysfunction justifies mass incarceration, retribution, punitive sentencing, and policies—including solitary confinement and capital punishment—that run counter to the principles that underpin personal and public health. Although the criminal justice system is almost never mentioned in planetary health, it is worth noting that the entire enterprise of mass incarceration, and the use of prisons and jails as an alternative to mental health care and prevention, squanders enormous amounts of energy. How can we make things better?
One answer can be found in the promise of neurolaw and advances in the understanding of the interface between neuroscience, including neurobiology, and the social sciences. In this context, I am thrilled to introduce the latest Nova Interview between Nova Fellow Alan C. Logan and attorney and neurolaw scientist Dr. Pragya Mishra just published in the journal Challenges. The interview covers a lot of ground, from the gut-brain-axis and contemplative practices to metaphysical jurisprudence and so much more, and paints a hopeful picture of a more humane, fair, equitable, and scientifically grounded justice system.
Almost a century ago, Louis Berman, MD, an endocrinologist at Columbia University (no relation!), argued that in the context of aggression and antisocial behavior, the intersection of social and biological influences required a personalized and non-punitive approach to rehabilitation. The carceral system’s check engine light has been on for a long time. Now, with far more evidence in place, Dr. Mishra explains how and why a personalized and rehabilitative approach to justice—with a heart-centered focus, including empathy and compassion—can bring us to much-needed policy change.
Responses
A recent comment by @ashka-naik about the importance of pluralism in seeing the world with a fresh lens is really reflected in this interview. I feel that Dr. Mishra’s geographical and cultural background, steeped in “ancient Indian philosophy and contemporary neuroscience” is a great example of that. A must read if you are interested in behaviour and by proxy neurolaw. Great interview @alan – you always seem to capture an essence of things, and not just talking points.