Why do some people murder? Is it in their blood? Maybe so, according to scientific studies that suggest that there is a genetic basis for violent behaviors:
They've tested some 30 criminal defendants, most of whom were charged with murder. They were looking for a particular variant of the MAO-A gene — also known as the warrior gene because it has been associated with violence. Bernet says they found that [the defendant] Waldroup has the high-risk version of the gene.
"His genetic makeup, combined with his history of child abuse, together created a vulnerability that he would be a violent adult," Bernet explains.
Over the fierce opposition of prosecutors, the judge allowed Bernet to testify in court that these two factors help explain why Waldroup snapped that murderous night.
"We didn't say these things made him become violent, but they certainly constituted a risk factor or a vulnerability," Bernet says.
Bernet cited scientific studies over the past decade that found that the combination of the high-risk gene and child abuse increases one's chances of being convicted of a violent offense by more than 400 percent. He notes that other studies have not found a connection between the MAO-A gene and violence — but he told the jury that he felt the genes and childhood abuse were a dangerous cocktail.
"A person doesn't choose to have this particular gene or this particular genetic makeup," Bernet says. "A person doesn't choose to be abused as a child. So I think that should be taken into consideration when we're talking about criminal responsibility."
Does that make a person less culpable of his own actions? What do you think of the "my genes made me do it" defense?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128043329&ft=1&f=100
This video is for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCzbNkyXO50
Also reminiscent of the "nature vs nurture" arguments for homosexuality. You shouldn't have to prove whether or not you're gay by "choice" to just be happy as who you are, but some people prefer to think they were "born that way", and their opponents prefer to think they made a choice, as if it's curable.
Some people are predisposed to addiction; they're still responsible if they get drunk or high and hurt someone.
Juries are filled with idiots. Some of the decisions juries have made make me want to give them a smack upside the head.
"NOOOOOO! Don't stab me!"
"Oh, I can't help it - I have a gene that makes me violent"
"Oh, alright then"
*stabbed*
I DON'T THINK SO! If someone does something because of their genetics, it only makes them more likely to do it again. This is more of a reason for life in prison than freedom. It would suggest they can't be rehabilitated. Though, as others have noted, I'd like to see how many normal people have the same gene and don't act on it.