Research on Two Genes Linked with Violent Crimes

900 criminals in Finland were used in a genetic analysis research and this showed that two genes were associated with violent behaviour. However, one cannot use these two genes to view criminals, as there are many more genes that play an important role in violent behaviour as well as environmental factors. This study was the first to look into the genetic make-up of violent criminals.

The first gene is known as a Warrior Gene. Each criminal had been given a profile based on the offences and these were categorised by violent and non-violent crimes. 78 criminals had the strongest association between genes and previous behaviour and they fitted into the profile of extremely violent offender. This group had committed 1154 murders, manslaughters, attempted homicides or batteries. These criminals all carry a MAOA gene (scientific name for the Warrior Gene because it is linked to aggressive behaviour) of low-activity version.

The second gene is called a Criminal Gene. MAOA gene and a variant of cadherin 13 (CDH13) are the two genes associated with violent repeat offenders. The MAOA gene codes for the enzyme monoamine oxidase A. This enzyme controls the amount of dopamine (plays a role in the functioning of the body and brain) and serotonin (found in the central nervous system) which is the basis of our behaviour. The criminals classified as non-violent offenders did not have this genetic profile.

There is a deficiency of the enzyme that could result in the “dopamine hyperactivity” and this occurs especially when an individual has alcohol or drugs. Most crimes in Finland are committed when the criminals are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

At this time, the person’s genetic information should not affect their conviction in criminal courts. There are many things that contribute to a person’s mental capacity but the only thing that matters is for a person to understand the consequences of what they are doing and if they can control their own behaviour. There is nothing that robs one of their free will or understanding what is right or wrong, genes and the environment only affect it to some extent. The gene factors only make it harder to control violent urges but they cannot determine the life of a crime. This source is recent; it was published on 28 October 2014. There was similar information about this topic so I do not doubt my findings. There is no bias, the tone of the writing was formal and as if proper research was done so, the language was of a high quality. No findings were left out. This can be deemed as reliable.

The author is a science reporter from BBC News and her credentials are highly regarded. A number of scientists who have found the similar results have also backed up this article. The scientists’ findings that the article is based on are from different universities. It has not been mentioned if the findings were reviewed. This research was done in Finland but it does not affect the research because people have the same genes in other countries and crimes of those criminals are committed everywhere. This is therefore deemed valid.

This has narrowed down my research and it has given me a better understanding of how and what genes can influence criminals to commit crimes. This could help me to structure a questionnaire by asking them how they felt when they committed the crime. This can therefore be deemed useful. This source has been backed up by other sources. I have not found another source that does not back this up. I have not found any updated information which contradicts these findings.