“Beyond remorse” refers to, individuals who exhibit a lack of regret or guilt for their actions, often associated with a personality disorder like antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), where people may not understand the harm they cause others and therefore do not feel remorseful, even when confronted with the consequences of their behavior.”
In a February 18, 2025 essay, No Regrets, in VERDICT, Cornell law professor Joseph Margulies discusses his book project about society’s tendency to ostracize wrongdoers and explores the complex role of remorse in how society judges and responds to those who have committed serious transgressions. Professor Margulies grapples with a particular challenge in his research—how to address cases where individuals who have committed wrongful acts feel no remorse for their actions, using examples like January 6 rioters and abortion providers in different states—and invites such individuals to share their perspectives. Below, we include an abstract of Professor Margulies’ essay, including a link to his complete posting, a list of key points about people who lack remorse and some potential causes.
ABSTRACT:
In his essay, No Regrets, Professor Margulies explores the complexities of remorse in moral and legal judgment, particularly in cases where individuals knowingly violate societal norms but do not express regret. The author, who is finalizing a book on societal condemnation and redemption, wrestles with the challenge of writing about those who feel no remorse for their actions. The piece examines how remorse functions as a signal of reintegration into a moral community, yet also highlights cases where defiance of the status quo—such as civil disobedience or ideological resistance—complicates traditional expectations of contrition. Through examples such as the indictment of Dr. Margaret Carpenter for mailing abortion pills and the January 6 rioters, the essay questions who determines the necessity of remorse and how society should respond to those who refuse to express it. The author invites individuals who have been condemned for their actions but do not regret them to share their perspectives, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of moral judgment, accountability, and societal punishment.
SOME KEY POINTS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO LACK REMORSE.
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Lack of empathy:
A core characteristic is a diminished ability to understand or share the feelings of others, making it difficult to grasp the impact of their actions on victims.
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Rationalization and justification:
Individuals may minimize the severity of their actions, blame others, or create elaborate explanations to justify their behavior, preventing them from taking responsibility.
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Manipulative tendencies:
They may use charm, deception, or other tactics to control situations and avoid accountability.
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Callous disregard for others:People with this trait may show indifference to the suffering of others and may even take pleasure in causing harm.
POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR LACK OF REMORSE:
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Biological factors:
Some research suggests genetic predispositions or neurological abnormalities may contribute to reduced empathy and remorse.
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Childhood experiences:
Neglectful or abusive upbringing can disrupt the development of empathy and moral reasoning, potentially leading to a lack of remorse.
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Social learning:Individuals may learn antisocial behaviors through exposure to similar patterns in their environment.