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.