Page 168 - ILIAS ATHANASIADIS AKA RO1

Psychopathic traits commonly include:

Antisocial behavior
Narcissism
Superficial charm

Impulsivity

Callous, unemotional traits
Lack of guilt
Lack of empathy

One study found that about 29% of the general population exhibit one or more
psychopathic traits. But just 0.6% of the population is likely to fit the definition of
a psychopath

It is scored by a mental health professional. The scores are often used to predict the
likelihood that a criminal may reoffend or whether they are able to rehabilitate.

Many studies have linked psychopathic traits to violence. Court systems may evaluate
criminals’ psychopathic tendencies as a way to predict the likelihood that they will

commit further violent acts.4

The PCL-R is often used as evidence offered by the state to argue that a defendant

poses a high risk of sex offense recidivism. Occasionally, the test results are also
employed by the defense as a way to try and prove that an offender poses a low risk of

reoffending due to the absence of psychopathic traits.

The PCL-R can sometimes be used in the determination of parole. It is most often

introduced by the state as a way to show that an offender may be likely to commit
further acts of violence upon release.

Psychopathy assessments have been introduced during the sentencing phase of death
penalty cases as well. In most cases, the PCL-R has been used to argue that a

defendant is likely to commit violence in prison—a factor that may warrant the death
penalty.