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Genetics, antisocial personality, and criminal responsibility
1Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA.
The Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Heritable biological factors contribute to repetitive antisocial behavior. Behavioral genetics research may influence legal responsibility for unlawful acts.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Forensic psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Growing evidence links heritable biological factors to persistent antisocial behavior.
- Antisocial behavior has significant societal and legal implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intersection of behavioral genetics and legal frameworks.
- To discuss the implications of genetic research for legal responsibility.
Main Methods:
- Review of conceptual frameworks in behavioral genetics and law.
- Analysis of current research findings in behavioral genetics.
- Discussion of potential impacts on legal responsibility.
Main Results:
- Heritable biological factors are increasingly recognized in the development of antisocial behavior.
- Divergent conceptualizations exist between behavioral genetics and legal systems regarding responsibility.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral genetics research offers new perspectives on the etiology of antisocial behavior.
- The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of how legal systems assign responsibility for unlawful acts.