Genetics on Trial: The Controversial Link Between DNA and Criminal Behaviour
Nature vs Nurture: Can our genes make us criminals? Delving into the fascinating and complex world of criminal genetics.
Have you ever wondered what makes a criminal? Is it their upbringing, social environment or even innate within their genetic makeup? The question of whether criminal behavior is determined by either nature or nurture has long fascinated researchers, judicial systems and society as a whole. Recently, with significant advancements in genetic research, it seems that a life of crime may lie within our DNA. Can our predisposed genetic makeup lead us towards becoming criminals? The answer may surprise you…
Read on as we unravel the genetic mysteries of criminal behavior, and discover what this means for our understanding of crime and justice. Who knows, you may steal a thing or two?
Cracking the Code of Criminal Behaviour: Understanding and Defining its Complexities
Criminal behaviour, both in legal and psychological terminology, is any conduct that breaches criminal law. This blog post will investigate the intricate connection between criminal law and biopsychology by exploring the four psychological defining traits of criminal behaviour:
- impulsivity
- aggression
- cognitive distortion
- anti-social behaviour
The ‘Warrior’ Gene
Unlocking the secrets of the ‘warrior gene’ could hold the key to understanding criminal behavior.
Whilst a ‘warrior’ gene that creates criminals appears contradictory, recent research has uncovered a link between this gene and the heritability of criminal behaviors.
The monamine oxidase A gene (the ‘MAOA gene’) on the X chromosome codes for enzymes that catabolises (breaks down) neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin that are associated with hypersensitive, impulsive and aggressive behavioral tendencies. If these neurotransmitters are not broken down, and overstay their welcome in the brain, individuals may become agitated, reckless and possibly aggressive.
Investigations into the relationship between a poor functioning MAOA gene and criminal behavioral has been around since 1993, however only in the last 20 years has the linkage been under the microscope. In 2006, research that investigated a mutation on the MAOA gene discovered an increased amygdala volume and activation in individuals that possessed the mutation, associated with anger and violent behavior. Furthermore, males who carried the mutation displayed cognitive and emotional regulation impairments, as well as a high risk for impulsive violence.
With the proportion of males incarcerated in Australian prisons, some are wondering if a solitary X chromosome could render men more prone to criminal behavior. Is this the missing link in understanding the gender imbalance behind bars?
The Power of the Environment
60% of people are walking around with a lower function version of the MAOA gene, however only 201 per 10,000 (0.021%), of the Australian population are prosecuted for a crime. It’s clear that our genetics are not the sole determinant of our behavior, or else we would all become characters of ‘The Purge’. So what else is at play?
For the purpose of our discussion, we will focus on two environmental pressures as stated below…
- Childhood maltreatment: any type of abuse or neglect for those under the age of 18 that could potentially harm the child’s, survival, development, health, or dignity
- Neighbourhood disadvantages: the lack of social and economic resources in a neighbourhood.
A wealth of studies from Western nations have revealed that childhood maltreatment can have a profound impact on children’s development, making them more vulnerable to committing both violent and non-violent crimes. But that’s not all — research has also uncovered a link between community disadvantage and a surge in crime rates in certain areas. Just take the example of this Finnish study, which analysed nearly a million participants and shed light on this troubling correlation.
What does this mean for criminal law?
By delving into the genetic roots of criminal behavior, we could potentially upend the way we view crime and punishment. Imagine the possibilities — by comprehending the underlying causes of criminal behavior, we can extend a helping hand to those who are most at risk due to their genetic or environmental circumstances, and ultimately strengthen the fabric of our community.
Yet, could genetics and the environment work together in shaping criminals? If you would like to know the answer, stay tuned in to the next post to find out…
Listen to what Brian Boutwell has to say about combining biological and social factors in crime science.
Watch this video if you would like to learn more about the influence of genetics on criminal behaviour.
To investigate further and see where I found my information click here.
