Sociopathy has been validated for over 150 years. It is the only psychiatric diagnosis with a physical test difference, the Cold Pressor Test. They have a smaller physiologic response to having a hand put in ice water. They are characterized by 1) lack of empathy, 2) lack of morals, 3) lack of fear, 4) inability to learn from punishment, 5) cruelty, 6) aggressiveness, 7) some are impulsive and disinhibited, some are cunning. The male rate is 1% of a population. They are likely 50% of convicted felons. Their features run in families. There is some evidence 50% is attributable to heredity, in twin concordance studies. The rest is environmental or learned.
One may think of the above deficits as handicaps. One should not expect them to improve. They often do well in structured setting. Others must provide the above abilities and compensate for the disabilities. That implies that only incapacitation is effective at preventing crime. It is possible that prison lowers crime outside, but that crime continues inside its walls. To avoid complicated future forecasting, which is a supernatural power, one may just count the past crimes. After 3 serious crimes, the certainty of more is high.
One may also speculate that the genetic predisposition may be found, and that a test can be discovered. It could be done even prior to birth. CRISPR-cas9 technology may one day correct it. The genes are likely to be many and complicated.
Female rates may be higher than prior estimated, 1.2:1 not 6:1 male: female.
More women may be psychopaths than previously thought, says expert | Psychology | The Guardian
Review of abortion legalization a factor in the drop in crime rate, up to 47%.
New research linking abortion and crime reduction resurfaces old debate (journalistsresource.org)
Recidivism algorithms used by courts in sentencing are not valid.
The accuracy, fairness, and limits of predicting recidivism | Science Advances
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