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Criminal Justice and Behavior
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The Criminology of the Amygdala

Matt DeLisi

Iowa State University, delisi{at}iastate.edu

Zachary R. Umphress

Iowa State University

Michael G. Vaughn

Saint Louis University

A central part of the brain’s limbic system, the amygdala is crucial for emotional learning, aversive conditioning, and response to fear and other emotions. Although the amygdala is a vibrant area of study in the neurosciences, it is virtually ignored in criminology. Here, we review the anatomical location, connectivity, and functions of the amygdala, explore its role in James Blair and colleagues’ recently advanced theory of psychopathy, explicate amygdala abnormalities in diverse populations, and explore genetics research relating to amygdala functioning. Because of its role in the regulation of fear and other emotional memory and response, the amygdala is importantly related to psychopathy; callous-unemotional traits; and the vibrant, neuroscience-based investigations of the etiology of antisocial behavior.

Key Words: amygdala • psychopathy • limbic system • fear • callous-unemotional traits • neural substrates

Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 36, No. 11, 1241-1252 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0093854809343119
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