Question

• How does the influence of our genes and brain function change the way we think about crime and punishment?

• If genetic factors are responsible for people committing crime, should we adjust responses from the criminal justice system on the basis of individual genetics? For example, should people with genes that predispose them to violence receive different sentences if they engage in crime?

• Alternatively, should genetic information be used to pre-emptively identify potential killers or other predisposed to violence? Is it appropriate to pre-emptively imprison someone if science tells us they have a high chance of engaging in violent crime?

• What other ways could this information be used to help us manage crime? Come up with at least one idea about how we could potentially use genetic information to respond to crime.

Answer 1

The hypothesis that genes and brain function are related to crime and punishment is extensively debated. The MRI and PET scans reveal the anatomy and also the functioning of the different tissues and cells in our brain. Behavioral genetics and advanced psychiatric treatments are used in the identifying and treating the mental disorders in a person. Due to the awareness created by the Psychological advancements, people now are analyzing the reasons which provoked the criminal to commit the crime.

A criminal is punished only after his/her crime is proven. All the factors, whether the crime took place in self-defense or accidentally are taken into account. Before genetics and neuroscience made their presence felt, factors like the criminal's familial background, addiction, if any and childhood abuse were taken into account. But Nowadays genetics and neuroscience are gaining entry into the justice system. Many lawyers resort to using these innovations to defend their client's criminal behavior. Although, genes play an important role in determining a person's physical and mental growth, there is no substantial evidence that genes govern a person's criminal behavior. There is no evidence to suggest that a criminal committed a crime, just because his genes made him do it. A criminal cannot be let free, just because he has inherited the genes from his parents who had a criminal tendency. It would be unfair to justice system, if the criminals who are proved to have genes that support crimes, are absolved of the crime. Nobody should be allowed to escape from the grave crime he/she has committed. The justice system should not adjust its laws on the basis of genetic make up of a person. If a person is really innocent or has committed a crime for which he/she truly regrets and is ready to transform, then only that person should be given a lenient sentence. But the pathological criminals who do not show any remorse and would repeat their acts, should not be spared, even if they prove that their genes or brain function are the real culprits.

Research in genetics, has identified hardly one or two genes that link violent behavior to a person. Only these paltry number of genes do not make a person aggressive. Psychological and the environmental factors also influence a person's behavior. The genes alone cannot prompt a person to commit a crime. Generally, people are wary about indulging in activities which might harm others. Even if a person is proved to have the genes, which supposedly would make the person violent, it is not necessary that that person will resort to violence unnecessarily.

An innovative practice of collecting DNA from the criminals to make a database is in vogue. The DNA thus collected is used to pin down the criminals and absolve the innocents. It is not rational to preemptively identify potential killers or would be criminals. There is no evidence that a person who inherits some criminal genes will become a criminal only. A broad research has proved that two people with almost similar genes do not behave in the similar manner. A person cannot be imprisoned just because his DNA tells us that he might engage in violent crime. Nobody can predict future. The genes of a person cannot determine his future. There are many other factors involved, which shape a person's future. A criminal does not become a criminal until he commits a crime. Therefore, no one has a right to imprison him/her just because scientific research says so.

The genetic information of convicted criminals or the accused can be used as a base for further research into the relationship between genetics and crime. It can also be used to remove the bias that a person who inherits criminal genes will be a criminal only. The study of genetics in criminology could help to prove that even though genes determine the other aspects of an individual, they do not play a crucial role in determining whether a person will become a criminal or not.