...The Link: Genetics and Criminal Behavior Carla Davis AIU Online An ongoing debate that genetics can be linked to criminal behavior has been ongoing. Researchers are working hard to link criminal behavior and genetics. This study tries to find supporting evidence that a criminal can inherit the notion to commit criminal activity through inheritance. On side believes that criminal activity is caused through inheritance while others agree that genetics has absolutely nothing to do with committing crimes and it’s a person choice when committing a crime or partaking in criminal activities. Included in these studies are adopted studies, twin studies, and testosterone studies. These studying link criminal activities with genetics and give supporting evidence that criminal activities are not inherited. The Link: Genetics and Criminal Behavior Research currently suggests that the genetic characteristics of anger and illegal behavior involve several different factors depending on multiple genes. Although no researcher has been able to put a finger on any genetic factor that could be applied to the concept genes play a part in the influence of aggressive and criminal behavior, many studies have been done to include twin studies and adoption. Twin studies, adoption studies, and testosterone studies are the leading studies that link genetics and criminal behavior. (University of Texas at Dallas, 2012) Studying the differences and similarities between single/identical eggs and non-identical...
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...How Genetics Affect Criminal Behavior Lynn Wigtion English Comp 2 4/27/2003 Amy DeBolt The human behavioral system is neither environmentally or genetically determined, but does have potentials that come through interaction of the environment and genes (Jones, pg.87). Concerning criminal behavior, many people want to blame the parents, or the individual’s upbringing, especially if it is a child or a teen committing a crime. Others want to blame social media and gaming or our society. While all of these can play a role in criminal behavior, so does genetics. Let’s repeat that, genetics play a role in criminal behavior, not make a person become a criminal. Genes do not cause behavior, but they affect tendencies to behave in certain ways (Nurnberger, Aug 10, 2006, para. 3). Anything can influence an individual to act and behave like a criminal, but those things do not make individuals commit crimes. That is entirely a choice. Genes contribute to an individual’s patterns because genes affect learning. Saying that something is influenced genetically is not saying environmental factors are not relevant. Saying a behavior is influenced genetically is not saying that it is unalterable or inevitable. “A predisposition is not predestination (Jones, pg87). Several components that contribute to criminal behavior are looked at; however, genetic factors are often overlooked as an important attribute. Some genetic influences are children who have behavior or disruptive disorders...
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...Intercontinental University Theories of Crime causation Criminal justice 105 Abstract This paper discusses the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. The author of this paper includes examples that she found through research studies. The author also includes the results and findings for twin, adoption and testosterone studies that were conducted by top professionals in the study of genetics and the biological environments that surround us. The author also has listed some of the dangers of suggesting that there is in fact a criminal gene in the field of Criminal justice that is in existence and what the repercussions would be if it was proven to be the truth. This paper is informative and professionally cited. Discuss the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. Criminality is definitely influenced by genetic factors as well as environment. For example studies were conducted among adopted children that have a biological parent that is a criminal these children have a higher risk of engaging in criminal activities, according to Richard J. Hernstein. He asserts that there have been many other studies that confirm certain physical traits, such as muscularity, gender and some have an extra Y chromosome, these children were also at a higher risk of committing crime. Therefore the late Hernstein argues, it’s refutable that criminal behavior has a genetic source. All evidence points to behavior such as aggression...
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...Intercontinental University Theories of Crime causation Criminal justice 105 Abstract This paper discusses the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. The author of this paper includes examples that she found through research studies. The author also includes the results and findings for twin, adoption and testosterone studies that were conducted by top professionals in the study of genetics and the biological environments that surround us. The author also has listed some of the dangers of suggesting that there is in fact a criminal gene in the field of Criminal justice that is in existence and what the repercussions would be if it was proven to be the truth. This paper is informative and professionally cited. Discuss the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behavior. Criminality is definitely influenced by genetic factors as well as environment. For example studies were conducted among adopted children that have a biological parent that is a criminal these children have a higher risk of engaging in criminal activities, according to Richard J. Hernstein. He asserts that there have been many other studies that confirm certain physical traits, such as muscularity, gender and some have an extra Y chromosome, these children were also at a higher risk of committing crime. Therefore the late Hernstein argues, it’s refutable that criminal behavior has a genetic source. All evidence points to behavior such as aggression...
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...Deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, is the carrier of genetic information and the building blocks of all organisms. It is also the building block for both the defense and prosecution in criminal cases. This paper will explore the history of DNA profiling in the criminal justice system. While it is a common misconception that James Watson and Francis Crick discovered DNA in the 1950s, it was actually discovered in the 1800s. The molecule now known as DNA was first identified in the 1860s by a Swiss chemist called Johann Friedrich Miescher. Johann set out to research the key components of white blood cells, part of our body’s immune system. The main source of these cells was pus-coated bandages collected from a nearby medical clinic....
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...Introduction Introduction Outline and evaluate the role of genetic factors in aggressive behaviour (5+16 marks) Moghaddom (1998) distinguishes between explanations of aggression which are normative, and those which are causal. Causal explanations, as in this case, suggest aggression is determined by particular factors e.g. genes and are usually biological explanations. The genetic explanation of aggression suggests that it is influenced through our genes, and that such behaviour is therefore inherited. Para 1 A01 Para 1 A01 It is thought that aggression is due to a defective gene that is inherited by following generations. One possible gene is the Monoamine Oxidase A gene, which produces Monoamine Oxidase A enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters associated with aggression. It is thought that a build-up of serotonin and dopamine can cause an individual to act aggressively to stress in the fight or flight response. There are two forms of the gene, MAOA-H (produces a high level of the enzyme) and MAOA-L (produces a low amount of the enzyme). The presence of the MAOA-L gene is related to an increase likelihood of aggression. One third of people in Western countries have the MAOA-L gene, compared to two thirds in countries with a history of warfare; leading the gene to be dubbed with the term “warrior gene”. Para 2 A02 Para 2 A02 Research to support the role of the MAOA gene comes from Cases et al who disabled the gene in the X chromosome of mice. As no enzyme was produced...
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...Questions and Answers If You Are in Favor of Genetics in the Courtroom… Question 1: Why do you think that evidence of a defendant's genetic makeup should be allowed in a courtroom? Do you think that a person with genes that make him or her aggressive and unable to control his or her impulses is "less guilty" than someone who commits the same crime but has a normal set of genes? Yes but only if the behavioral genetic mutation has been peer reviewed by other medical scientists and there has been several cases of the mutation present. On the other hand, using behavioral genetic mutation as an excuse to decrease the severity of the punishment, could lead to more tax dollars put into someone that does society no justice, or purpose. I do not see the point on wasting money on someone that will just sit in jail and require extra attention. Extra attention means more staffing and with more staffing, leads to an increase in cost per inmate. Housing inmates has no return on this investment. This particular gene that creates the enzyme called monoamine oxidase- A would need to be measure in the “normal” human and the “mutated” human to compare the level of potency of the enzyme. If this person was a frequent drug user that caused the low level on MOAO, then the argument should not be valid, since they made the conscience choice to alter their body make up; however, if one was born with the lack of MOAO, I believe it would be okay. Genetics should not be allowed in the courtroom...
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...Discuss genetic factors involved in aggressive behaviour A way to study the hereditary of aggression is through twin studies. There are two types of twins; monozygotic who are identical and share all the same genes are dizygotic who are non-identical and share only 50% of genes. If there is a 100% concordance rate between monozygotic twins it suggests that share genes may be responsible for aggressive behaviour rather than the environment. Caccaro et al found that there was a 50% variance in aggressive behaviour of adult twin pairs and that it was caused by genetic factors suggesting that genetics are involved with the aggression of individuals. Research that supports the link between genetics and aggression was conducted by Rhee and Waldman who conducted a meta-analysis of 51 studies and found that there was a relationship between genetic factors and anti-social behaviour suggesting that genetics does have an effect on levels of aggression. Adoption studies have looked at examining levels of aggression between adopted children and their biological parents. If a positive correlation is found between the adoptee and biological parent then a genetic factor is implied but if a positive correlation is found between the adoptee and rearing family then a environmental factor may be implied suggesting that it is not only genetic factors that influence levels of aggression. Research that supports adoption studies was conducted by Hutchings and Mendick who studied 14,000 adoptions...
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...Chelsea Doolittle College Biology 11.3.2015 Mr. Muller Epigenetics Epigenetics is the study, in the field of genetics, of cellular and physiology phenotypic trait variations that are caused by external or environmental factors that switch genes on and off. The term epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression, active versus inactive genes, that does not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence which is a change, in phenotype without a change in genotype. Often the genome changes and does not become involved with the DNA. Identical twins make scientist question nature versus nurture. Many times identical or fraternal twins...
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...will agree that criminals have a limit to their rights, what about the innocent people whose DNA is kept after they are proven to have no connection to a crime? Given the personal nature of DNA, I feel this is a violation of our freedom and our right to privacy. What rights if any apply? While DNA dragnets are said to be a “voluntary” process people often feel as if they are not really being asked but rather ordered to submit their DNA to prove their innocence. If they don’t they are deemed suspicious, as if they have something to hide. If the police don’t have reasonable...
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...you get your thrill-seeking personality and talent for singing? Did you learn these from your parents or was it predetermined by your genes? While it's clear that physical characteristics are hereditary, the genetic waters get a bit more murky when it comes to an individual's behavior, intelligence, and personality. Ultimately, the old argument of nature vs. nurture has never really been won. We do not yet know how much of what we are is determined by our DNA and how much by our life experience. But we do know that both play a part. What is Nature vs Nurture? It has been reported that the use of the terms "nature" and "nurture" as a convenient catch-phrase for the roles of heredity and environment in human development can be traced back to 13th century France. Some scientists think that people behave as they do according to genetic predispositions or even "animal instincts." This is known as the "nature" theory of human behavior. Other scientists believe that people think and behave in certain ways because they are taught to do so. This is known as the "nurture" theory of human behavior. Fast-growing understanding of the human genome has recently made it clear that both sides are partly right. Nature endows us with inborn abilities and traits; nurture takes these genetic tendencies and molds them as we learn and mature. End of story, right? Nope. The "nature vs nurture" debate still rages on, as scientist fight over how much of who we are is shaped by genes and how much by...
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...Genetic Explanation of Aggression: Aggression is known to be influenced by genetics. Everyone inherits certain genes from their biological parents, these express as specific traits and characteristics. This includes everything from your eye colour, susceptibility to certain diseases, and aggressive tendencies. Some psychologists even believe there is a specific aggressive gene. Genetics are biological, however the explanation does acknowledge the interplay between nature and nurture, a hard and soft approach to determinism. We cannot separate genetics from the environment as it is a crucial part of evolution. Experiments have been conducted on mice whereby they have altered the gene receptor for the neuro-transmitter serotonin. They ‘knocked out’ the gene in the mice. With this a ‘knockout mouse’ was created and put in a cage for 2 weeks to establish its territory. Later when an intruder mouse was introduced, the knockout mice were found to be significantly more aggressive than another control group. This suggests this gene receptor is responsible for the aggression As this was completed in a scientific, lab environment, the results are highly reliable. However there are difficulties generalising from animal experiments to human behaviour. Humans have rational thinking and mice do not. The animal ethics guidelines state that the ends must justify the means. Later research tested rats in the same way, and they found humans don’t have the same gene. Therefore, the...
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...MEDICINE Personalized Medicine and Modern Genetics Technology: “Introduction” In today’s world DNA sequences are frequently and constantly improving, modern instruments can analyze DNA by the millions within a twenty-four hour period (Mader, 2010, P.178). Because of technology, these instruments have been made available now and in the future for the use of personalized medicinal products. This paper provides an overview of how modern genetic technology may lead to personalized medicine, and to give examples two or more specific benefits of personalized medicine: a discussion of its drawbacks and limitations of the approach to human medicine. “Modern Genetic Technology and Personalized Medicine” Modern technology is constantly growing in our world, for us to understand how modern genetic technology may lead to personalized medicine and the importance personalized medicine. Personalized medicine is the tailoring of medical treatment for an individual with the unique characteristics for each patient. This approach is a scientific breakthrough for us to understand how a person’s unique molecular and genetic profile makes them susceptible to certain diseases. This same research is increasing our ability to predict and recognize which medical treatments will be safe and effective for each patient (Consumer Health, 2007). The Human Genome project of 2003, enlighten our understanding of the genetic component of disease that...
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...differences {some parents pass on smart genes to their kids? some parents may pass on books known as environmental difference. {Orr 2003, cited in Keller p. 3} Changing the debate and the question Keller believed in behavior genetics which James Tabery called the “defense-by-distinction’. These were standard response of behavioral geneticists although there critics didn’t believe they were able to make any connection between individual development or cause or differences in a population {Tabery 2007}. This view was of behavioral genetics is based on false opinions of a quantitative report on genetic an environmental contribution sheds some light on the developmental process. There were some findings {that the heritability of personality traits increases over the lifespan}. {Gottlieb 2003, 338} Beyond interactionism and dichotomous thinking As several researcher disbelieve the theory of nature vs nurture had no distinction which was call the ‘environmental programming’ of behavior through DNA methylation “life at the interface between a dynamic environment and a fixed genome” {Meaney and Szyf 2005}. This article is discussing the different opinions between scholars as to nature vs nurture some believe this is due to genetic heredity or some chemical imbalance involving the DNA structure. This discussion is continuous as no two...
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...element. This experiment focuses on the PV92 locus, which is an Alu insertion on chromosome 16 that is only found in modern humans. PV92 has two alleles that determine the presence (+) or absence (-) of the alu on every paired chromosome. Therefore, it has three different genotypes, which are (+,-), (-,-), and (+,+). Alu elements are classified as SINEs, or Short Interspersed Elements that are transcribed by RNA Polymerase III. Biochemists are still trying to determine the origin and exact function of the Alu sequences. So far, the Alu gene characteristics are only useful when present within introns of specific genes. The combination of the Alu and introns can help determine relatedness among individuals and become a measurement of genetic variation. During this experiment there will not be any reference to disease or relatedness among...
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