Neuroscience and Abnormal Brain Function

• Author: Stephen G. Cobb
• Pages: 273-286

273

Chapter

Neuroimaging is the new frontier in criminal defense. This is not surprising

given that trial attorneys have long known the powerful impact of visual evi-

dence. Who can forget the image of O.J. Simpson struggling to put on the

Isotoner glove?

Strategically presented, neuroimages can persuade prosecutors,

judges, and juries. Attorney Stephen G. Cobb has been successfully using

neuroimagery for years. In this chapter, he tells the story of a client—a vet-

eran who suffered from traumatic brain injury and who was charged with a

crime that was completely out of his character.

Mr. Cobb’s use of visuals demonstrates that people with mental disabil-

ities have an injured body part, that is, an injured brain, which is no different

than any other person suffering a physical ailment or disability.

• • •

Dylan Jackson1 had a normal Midwestern childhood. Raised in a devout

Catholic family, Dylan spent his youth going to Boy Scout meetings, mak-

ing good grades in school, and never getting into any trouble at all. After he

graduated high school, Dylan enlisted in the United States Armed Forces

where he excelled due to his natural athletic ability, drive, and ambition.

1 All names have been changed to preserve attorney-client condentiality.

Neuroscience and

Abnormal Brain Function

Stephen G. Cobb

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