Genes and Criminal Behaviour: A Review
Overview
The sequencing of the human genome has created a renewed interest in the contribution of genetics to socially disapproved behaviour such as criminal behaviour. The potential for science to produce a (partially) genetic explanation for behaviour that is considered problematic and deserving of punishment has significant implications for policy development in many areas, particularly law and public health. Criminologists, lawyers and policy makers in the criminal justice field need to be well informed about the results of research on genetics of criminal behaviour and its limitations, a need that will only increase as genetic research on behaviour becomes more sophisticated. This project aims to review current knowledge of genetic influences on criminal behaviour and make some tentative predictions about the future directions of the field.
OPPE Staff
Katherine Morley and Wayne Hall
Status
In progress
Outcomes
A paper will be published in a peer-reviewed journal
Funding
OPPE
Contact webmaster: oppe@uq.edu.au
Last updated: 11 July
2003