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Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a psychiatric diagnosis defined in the DSM-5 as a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15. The disorder is characterized by at least three of the following: failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, deceitfulness and repeated lying, impulsivity or failure to plan ahead, irritability and aggressiveness, reckless disregard for safety of self or others, consistent irresponsibility in work or financial obligations, and lack of remorse after hurting or mistreating others. Diagnosis requires that the individual be at least 18 years old and have evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15.

In the context of U.S. federal criminal law, ASPD is a clinical description rather than a distinct legal category. The diagnosis functions primarily as a descriptive and explanatory framework for understanding criminal behavior patterns, not as a basis for criminal defense. Under 18 U.S.C. § 17, which governs the federal insanity defense, a defendant must prove that at the time of the offense, as a result of severe mental disease or defect, they were unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of their acts. Courts have consistently held that personality disorders, including ASPD, generally do not meet this threshold because individuals with ASPD typically understand the wrongfulness of their actions even if they lack emotional remorse.

In true crime and criminal justice contexts, ASPD is frequently referenced as a risk factor for criminal behavior and recidivism rather than as a mitigating circumstance. Mental health professionals may diagnose ASPD during forensic evaluations, and such diagnoses may appear in pre-sentencing reports or competency evaluations. However, the presence of ASPD does not diminish criminal responsibility under federal law and may actually be viewed by courts as an indicator of dangerousness and future risk. The diagnosis is thus used descriptively to explain patterns of repeated criminal conduct, manipulation, and lack of rehabilitation potential, rather than as grounds for reduced culpability or alternative sentencing.