We do not choose anything at all. Neuroscience shows that our brains make decisions before we are consciously aware of them. What we perceive as "making a choice" is actually just "becoming aware of a choice that has already been made."

We often confuse this awareness with having made the choice of our own accord.

If this is true, then the traditional notions of justice, responsibility, and morality need to be re-evaluated. We may need to move towards a more compassionate and understanding approach, recognizing that a person might be blameless for the choices they appear to make. Our legal and moral frameworks should reflect this reality. It means that everyone we perceive as criminals are fundamentally blameless, despite them having committed crimes.

Their crimes, would have to be perceived as a result of their circumstances, rather than choice.

If this is so, then all our efforts in reducing crime should be focused not upon punishment, but upon addressing the underlying causes and conditions that lead to criminal behaviour, such as social inequalities, education, mental health, and rehabilitation.

And probably above all, connection and reintegration.