Brains on Trial with Alan Alda

Brains on Trial with Alan Alda (2013)

EndedDocumentary show

Brains on Trial with Alan Alda takes a fictitious crime-a convenience store robbery that goes horribly wrong - and builds from it a gripping courtroom drama. As the trial unfolds it takes us into the brains of the major participants - defendant, witnesses, jurors, judge - while Alan Alda visits the laboratories of some dozen neuroscientists exploring how brains work when they become entangled with the law. The research he discovers raises the controversial question: How does our rapidly expanding ability to peer into people's minds and decode their thoughts and feelings affect trials like the one we are watching in the future? And should it?

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday at 22:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E02Deciding PunishmentSep 18, 2013
S01E01Determining GuiltSep 11, 2013
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the TV show 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' premiere?

'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' premiered on September 11, 2013.

What is the premise of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

The show explores the intersection of neuroscience and the justice system, examining how brain science can affect the understanding of criminal behavior and its implications in the courtroom.

How many episodes were there in the first season of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

The first season of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' consisted of two episodes.

Who are the experts featured on the show?

The show features a range of experts including neuroscientists, psychologists, legal scholars, and criminal justice professionals.

What are some of the topics covered in 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

The show explores topics such as the influence of brain abnormalities on behavior, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and the use of brain scans as evidence in court.

Are there any reenactments or dramatizations in the show?

Yes, 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' includes reenactments and dramatizations to illustrate various scenarios and concepts.

How does the show incorporate scientific research?

The show incorporates scientific research by featuring experiments, case studies, and interviews with leading experts in the field of neuroscience.

Does 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' present any real-life court cases?

Yes, the show presents real-life court cases that involve controversial brain science evidence.

What is the overall tone of the show?

The show takes an objective and informative approach, exploring the complex relationship between neuroscience and the legal system.

Are there any ethical considerations discussed on the show?

Yes, 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' delves into the ethical implications of using brain science in the courtroom, including issues of privacy, discrimination, and fairness.

How does the show engage viewers?

The show engages viewers through thought-provoking discussions, interactive experiments, and compelling storytelling.

Is 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' suitable for a general audience?

Yes, the show is designed to be accessible to a wide range of viewers, regardless of their background in neuroscience or law.

Did 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda' receive any critical acclaim?

Yes, the show was praised for its unique approach to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and the justice system, and its ability to present complex concepts in an engaging manner.

Are there any plans for future seasons of 'Brains on Trial with Alan Alda'?

As of now, there have been no announcements regarding future seasons of the show.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Outlander
Running

Outlander

Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

The Outlander series, adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international best-selling books, spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure into one epic tale.

The Boys
Running

The Boys

In a world where superheroes embrace the darker side of their massive celebrity and fame, The Boys centres on a group of vigilantes known informally as "The Boys," who set out to take down corrupt superheroes with no more than blue collar grit and a willingness to fight dirty.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Running

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

After surviving Godzilla's attack on San Francisco, Cate is shaken yet again by a shocking secret. Amid monstrous threats, she embarks on a globetrotting adventure to learn the truth about her family—and the mysterious organization known as Monarch.

Fire Country
Running

Fire Country

In Fire Country, seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence, young convict Bode Donovan joins a firefighting program that returns him to his small Northern California hometown, where he and other inmates work alongside elite firefighters to extinguish massive blazes across the region.

Elsbeth
Running

Elsbeth

Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney who utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD. After leaving her successful legal career in Chicago to tackle a new investigative role in New York City, Elsbeth finds herself jockeying with the toast of the NYPD, Captain C.W. Wagner, a charismatic and revered leader. Working alongside Elsbeth is Officer Kaya Blanke, a stoic and ethical officer who quickly develops an appreciation for Elsbeth's insightful and offbeat ways.