What is considered “sound mind?” Are criminals of “sound mind” when they commit heinous acts of violence? Apparently not according to some defense attorneys. What evidence so they have? Well, biology seems to be on their side.

            In BBC science and environment news, Melissa Hogenboom reveals a study that can shed some light on this topic. In a study conducted by scientists in Finland, a correlation has been found between genes of criminals and the kinds of acts that they commit. Scientists have found an association between two genes: the “Warrior” gene, also known as Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) and CDH13, which cadherin 13. What was found across the group of violent criminals (criminals incarcerated for violent crimes) was the presence of both the “Warrior” gene and CDH13. Aiding to these high risk cases was also the presence of substances when the individuals were arrested. This factor shows the influence of epigenetics on the individuals with high risks like the “Warrior” gene. Epigenetics are other factors besides genes that can cause changes in the expression of certain genes. Similarly, epigenetics can be hypothesized as a factor for influence of the “Warrior” gene in other cases.

            In James Fallon’s book, The Psychopath Inside: A neuroscientist’s personal journey into the dark side of the brain, Dr. Fallon explores the neurobiology behind psychopathy. Dr. Fallon discusses the importance of the MAOA gene in function. The MAOA gene encodes for the MAO-A protein that helps control the amount of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft of the Central Nervous System. In his study of MAOA genes and MRIs of psychopaths, Dr. Fallon found he possessed the gene in his genome-a genetic library that contains all the coding and noncoding sequences of an individual. With this discovery, it should have labeled Dr. Fallon as a potential criminal. Did Dr. Fallon commit any psychopathic crimes? Nope. There were other factors that influenced his life. These influences were epigenetic factors that turned him into an “okay” guy albeit his many other flaws that he admits to.

            In the cases of criminology, can criminal acts simply be shrugged off as moments of biological malfunctions in which the person can take no responsibility for?

            That’s completely up to you.

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29760212

Fallon, James. The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist’s personal journey into the dark side of the brain. (New York). The Penguin Group. 2013

Hogenboom, Melissa. “Two Gene Linked with Violent Crime. “ BBC News Science and Environment. Date accessed February 25, 2015. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29760212