NCJ Number
94188
Date Published
1984
Length
183 pages
Annotation
This book presents emerging scientific evidence suggesting that genetics plays a key role in determining criminal behavior and poses implications of these findings for the concept of criminal responsibility, criminal defenses, and rehabilitation and crime prevention.
Abstract
The book opens with a review of the current popular explanation of criminal behavior: free will exercised under debilitating environmental influences. This is considered an inadequate explanation of the persistent criminality of hardcore recidivists. The traditional goals of corrections are then reviewed (retribution, incapacitation, deterrence, and rehabilitation): the author argues efforts toward these goals have not significantly reduced criminal behavior. This discussion sets the stage for the presentation of research findings that support genetic and biological causes of some criminal behavior. Recent theories and research are summarized: Wilson's 'sociobiology,' identical twin studies, the XYY chromosomal deviation, premenstrual syndrome, the male hormone correlation with violent crime, biological origins of schizophrenia and alcoholism, temporal lobe epilepsy, and biochemical triggering of hostile behavior. The discussion then reassesses the legal system's traditional concepts of guilt and punishment in relation to the scientific findings presented. Some issues considered are the development of a genetic or biological defense that parallels the insanity defense to demonstrate the absence of criminal responsibility and the use of new rehabilitative and preventive procedures to counter genetic and physical states contributing to deviant behavior. About 110 bibliographic listings and a subject index are provided.