In Societies, Nova Fellow Alan Logan and Scholar Susan Prescott, along with Center for Justice and Mental Well-Being Scientific Advisory Board member Gregg Caruso, examine new approaches to criminal justice based on public health principles.
Criminal justice systems rely on outdated “folk psychology” beliefs that assume people have free will and full control over decisions. Yet science reveals a different picture where childhood trauma, brain development, genetics, and environment shape behavior, suggesting current actions are influenced by factors beyond individual control.
Despite emerging research, courts have kept brain sciences at the margins and outdated ideas of “monsters” and “wickedness” are often used to explain harmful behavior. Today’s integrated sciences challenge these beliefs as new research combines brain science, trauma studies, and environmental health.
In this article, authors review the public health quarantine model as an alternative to current practices. This model recognizes that behavior emerges from complex factors and moves away from punishment while maintaining accountability. The approach emphasizes healing and prevention, and, like medical quarantine, detention occurs only when necessary for safety.
