Name: The neuroscience of restorative justice
Uploaded: 2014-03-18T15:06:23Z
Duration: 14 min 21 s
Description: Dan Reisel studies the biology of change, including our ability to rewire our own brains. And he asks a big question: Instead of warehousing these criminals, shouldn't we be using what we know about the brain to help them rehabilitate? Put another way: If the brain can grow new neural pathways after an injury ... could we help the brain re-grow morality?

Dan Reisel studies the biology of change, including our ability to rewire our own brains. And he asks a big question: Instead of warehousing these criminals, shouldn't we be using what we know about the brain to help them rehabilitate? Put another way: If the brain can grow new neural pathways after an injury ... could we help the brain re-grow morality?

Dan Reisel: The neuroscience of restorative justice

The neuroscience of restorative justice

Neurogenesis reveals our brains can evolve in adulthood, hinting at a potential to rewire morality and rehabilitate criminals.

Restorative justice, by stimulating the perpetrator's empathy through victim interaction, might offer a path to rehabilitation.

Incarceration that inhibits brain development contrasts with enriched environments that promote neurogenesis and social behavior.