Theoretical arguments that psychopathy eliminates individual responsibility for illegal behavior and can therefore serve as a basis for an insanity defense are largely premised on emotional characteristics of psychopathy that impede the individual’s capacity to appreciate right from wrong. We offer arguments and countervailing evidence indicating psychopaths do have the capacity to appreciate right from wrong and therefore should not be absolved of criminal responsibility.

(2008). Addressing measurement limitations in affective rating scales: Development of an empirical valence scale. Cognition & Emotion: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 180-192.