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Behavioral Genetics in Criminal Court.
Nicholas Scurich1, Paul S Appelbaum2
1Department of Psychology & Social Behaviour, Department of Criminology, Law & Society, University of California, Irvine, 4213 Social and Behavioural Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA, 92697-7085, USA. nscurich@uci.edu.
Behavioral genetic evidence for violent or impulsive behavior is increasingly used in criminal trials. However, this evidence is ineffective in reducing culpability or punishment, suggesting its legal use will likely decrease.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Criminal Law
Background:
- The legal system is increasingly encountering behavioral genetic evidence.
- This evidence pertains to predispositions for violent or impulsive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral genetic evidence in criminal trials.
- To determine the impact of such evidence on legal judgments of culpability and punishment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data and legal case studies.
- Analysis of the influence of genetic predisposition evidence on trial outcomes.
Main Results:
- Behavioral genetic evidence has shown ineffectiveness in mitigating legal responsibility.
- Judgments of culpability and punishment remain largely unaffected by this type of evidence.
Conclusions:
- The introduction of behavioral genetic evidence does not significantly alter legal outcomes.
- Its limited impact suggests a declining role in the criminal justice system.
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