Criminological Theories: Genetics
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Details: Some researchers have claimed that genetics cause criminal behaviour, and that there is likely a gene that can be linked to criminals. This scientific theory is one of a vast amount of criminological theories that try to explain criminal behaviour, causes of crime, prevention of crime, and the source of criminal activity. With the advancements of technology and science as a tool to uncover criminal behaviour and criminals, the idea of genes being a source of criminal behaviour is not far-fetched.
Discuss the merits of the idea that genetics are a source for criminal behaviour. Make sure to provide examples that can be found through research studies and have evidence linking genetics and crime, including twin studies, adoption studies, and testosterone studies.
What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence surrounding genetics and crime? Do you feel that police departments should consider or dismiss such findings?
In your opinion, what are some of the dangers of suggesting that there is a criminal gene? What would be the repercussions in the field of criminal justice if the existence of the criminal gene is proven to be true?
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The idea that genetics can forms the basis for the propensity to engage in criminal behavior is not a new idea at all, and has a sound scientific basis to support this idea. In animals as well as humans, genetics forms the basis for a great deal of our development and or the propensity to engage in certain activities. Our genetics, not only determine the way that we look, or other important traits such as strength and or intelligence, but genetics also help to determine the way that we think, due to the fact that these genetics are also highly responsible for the development of our brains, which in turn determine much about our viewpoints on our environment, as well as the way that we choose to react to our environment. In addition, it is has been proven that genetic factors also contribute to our emotional state, which is highly influential in determining the way we that we react to stimuli within our environment, which includes the methodology by which we used to achieve our aims. The genetic influence on the development of our brains also has a large bearing on the significance and strength of the control mechanism within our brain, that helps us soon control impulses, and to use our frontal lobe, in order to decide the best course of action that should be taken in a given situation. When this control mechanism is insufficient, due to the genetics that an individual has received, then that individual would have a greater propensity to act on the impulses without engaging a high-level rational thought, which often means to actions that are viewed negatively by society, and more often than not constitute criminal activities. It has been postulated by many criminologists and other researchers, that the underdevelopment of the control mechanism located deep within the brain is largely responsible for the uninhibited responses that criminals have in response ...
Education
- Criminal Justice, Elizabeth City State University
- Master of Public Administration, North Carolina Central University
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