Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen

“The responsible use of science in law begins with understanding the strengths and limitations of scientific evidence, while recognizing the consequences of getting it wrong.”

Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Forensic Epistemology at the Institute of Forensic Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen on the University of Toronto Mississauga campus
Cover of Psychopathy Unmasked

Psychopathy Unmasked

The Rise and Fall of a Dangerous Diagnosis

Psychopathy assessments influence sentencing, parole, and other consequential decisions throughout the North American criminal justice system. Drawing on decades of empirical research, this book challenges the longstanding assumption that individuals labelled psychopaths are uniquely dangerous or possess distinctive psychological characteristics. It argues that these claims lack adequate scientific support and that psychopathy assessments should no longer be used to inform legal decision-making.

The MIT Press, 2025. 328 pages.

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Expertise

Available for legal consultation, public talks, and ontology work. Fees depend on the scope of the job, with pro bono work for organisations that advance public understanding of science.

Law and scientific evidence

Guidance for legal teams on the reliability and limits of scientific and expert evidence, with particular expertise in forensic risk assessment, psychopathy, and personality disorders.

Talks and lectures

Talks on science and society, forensic psychology, and epistemology, tailored to courts, bar associations, universities, and public audiences.

Ontology and taxonomy

Ontology development for structuring data in the health and cognitive sciences, grounded in Basic Formal Ontology and OBO Foundry work.

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About

Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen (PhD) is an Associate Professor of Forensic Epistemology and Philosophy of Science at the Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, and an Affiliated Scientist at the National Center for Ontological Research. His work lies at the intersection of psychology, epistemology, and law, with research published in journals such as The Lancet Psychiatry; Psychology, Public Policy, and Law; and Philosophical Psychology.

Biography and CV