The use of behavioural genetics in the criminal justice system: A disability &amp; human rights perspective

O’Mahony, Charles; Paor, Aisling de

doi:10.1016/j.ijlp.2017.07.002

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…As observed by many authors, emphasizing the possible criminogenic significance of some of these variants could be a double-edged sword in the legal field [ 82 ]. Indeed, wrongfully believing in a deterministic relationship between some genetic variants and crime would expose the carriers to the risk of social and legal stigma, being considered as latent criminals [ 83 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forensic Value of Genetic Variants Associated with Anti-Social Behavior

et al. 2021

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Insanity defense is sometimes invoked in criminal cases, and its demonstration is usually based on a multifactorial contribution of behavioural, clinical, and neurological elements. Neuroradiological evidence of structural alterations in cerebral areas that involve decision-making and moral reasoning is often accepted as a useful tool in these evaluations. On the other hand, the genetic predisposition to anti-social behavior is still controversial. In this paper, we describe two cases of violent crimes committed by young carriers of genetic variants associated with personality disorder; both the defendants claimed to be insane at the time of the crime. We discuss these cases and review the scientific literature regarding the relationship between legal incapacity/predisposition to criminal behavior and genetic mutations. In conclusion, despite some genetic variants being able to influence several cognitive processes (like moral judgement and impulse control), there is currently no evidence that carriers of these mutations are, per se, incapable of intentionally committing crimes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forensic Value of Genetic Variants Associated with Anti-Social Behavior

et al. 2021

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“…Although the first studies on human behaviour and genetics started in the 1800s with Sir Francis Galton, a rigorous scientific approach on the genetics of human behaviour started in the 1960s [2]. To date, several genetic studies have been performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the development of human behaviour [3]. Human behaviour is influenced by several genetic and environmental factors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Variants Allegedly Linked to Antisocial Behaviour Are Equally Distributed Across Different Populations

Zampatti

Reni

Fabrizio

et al. 2021

JPM

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Human behaviour is determined by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Several studies have demonstrated different associations between human behaviour and numerous genetic variants. In particular, allelic variants in SLC6A4, MAOA, DRD4, and DRD2 showed statistical associations with major depressive disorder, antisocial behaviour, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder; BDNF polymorphic variants were associated with depressive, bipolar, and schizophrenia diseases, and TPH2 variants were found both in people with unipolar depression and in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Independent studies have failed to confirm polymorphic variants associated with criminal and aggressive behaviour. In the present study, a set of genetic variants involved in serotoninergic, dopaminergic, and neurobiological pathways were selected from those previously associated with criminal behaviour. The distribution of these genetic variants was compared across worldwide populations. While data on single polymorphic variants showed differential distribution across populations, these differences failed to be significant when a comprehensive analysis was conducted on the total number of published variants. The lack of reproducibility of the genetic association data published to date, the weakness of statistical associations, the heterogeneity of the phenotype, and the massive influence of the environment on human behaviour do not allow us to consider these genetic variants as undoubtedly associated with antisocial behaviour. Moreover, these data confirm the absence of ethnic predisposition to aggressive and criminal behaviour.

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The use of behavioural genetics in the criminal justice system: A disability & human rights perspective

Cited by 2 publications

References 51 publications

Forensic Value of Genetic Variants Associated with Anti-Social Behavior

Forensic Value of Genetic Variants Associated with Anti-Social Behavior

Genetic Variants Allegedly Linked to Antisocial Behaviour Are Equally Distributed Across Different Populations

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