Rehabilitation or retribution?

Many of us believe that we are the product of our environment and indeed our very own biology yet the justice system, for the most part, doesn't seem to take much of this into account.

If we are subject to forces and circumstances beyond our control, if we don't choose our genes, our culture, our upbringing or personal circumstances which help influence everything that we do, then what does that say about punishment for its own sake?

It begs the question - If there is always going to be a mechanistic explanation for why someone committed a crime, then are we ever truly responsible for our actions?

Dr Joshua Greene, Professor of Psychology at Harvard University joined Jonathan to discuss the role neuroscience can play in the criminal justice system.

Originally aired 13/08/2016