Conundrum of Cavum Septum Pellucidum in Expert Witness Testimony, Police Evidence And Neurobehavioural Consequence: Affecting Legal Practice And Criminal Justice?

Abstract

Cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) is a rare condition when the septum pellucidum remains open to the inner ventricles within the brain. In many cases, CSP and the associated anatomical structure cavum vergae is thought to lead to anti-social and psychotic behaviour which poses a problem to those working in legal services. Controversy surrounds the possibility of congenital versus acquired conditions when CSP is found in those with repeated traumatic brain injuries such as professional athletes, American pro-footballers and professional and amateur boxers. Collecting police evidence and presenting expert testimony in the Courts is problematical when there is confusion over the acquisition of CSP. Treatment is compounded by differing presentations often involving psychosis which makes it a challenge to correctly place individuals within health service provision and penal institutions as well as offering appropriate treatment and criminal justice.