9.4.10

Genetic determinism

Lighter sentence for murderer with 'bad genes'

"Some fear that such cases could lead to the acceptance of genetic determinism — the idea that genes determine the behaviour of an organism — in criminal cases.

"90% of all murders are committed by people with a Y chromosome — males. Should we always give males a shorter sentence?" says Steve Jones, a geneticist at University College London. "I have low MAOA activity but I don't go around attacking people."

Farahany points out that prosecutors could use the same genetic evidence to argue for tougher sentences by suggesting people with such genes are inherently 'bad'.

"The question is where do you stop," Jones adds".

Link to:
Italian court reduces jail term after tests identify genes linked to violent behaviour

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