Genetics vs. Enviroment

The article did indeed create mixed feelings for me too. I was also of the opinion that the way we were brought up influences our behavior to a greater extent than our genes. Makes me think that may be a study of monozygotic twins where one is a criminal and other is not would help here!

I liked the article you cite in this post Ashley and I may use it again when discussing the Nature vs. Nuture issue and the crime wave in the Bogel family.

It makes sense that career criminals likely have some combination of genes that make them more likely to end up in jail. I think the authors make a good point by saying that first time offenders and juveniles likely have stronger environmental reasons for their crime such as abusive family situations, poverty and drug use.

Nevertheless, I would never exonerate a person for a crime simply because there was proof of a genetic cause. People must take responsibility for their behavior when it violates standards of acceptable behavior. Families must also recognize when one of their own is in trouble and there are always prudent ways to deal with abnormal behavior.

I think that before it can be determined whether nature or nurture influences a person's criminal behavior, a clear definition of "criminal behavior" must be made. What child hasn't taken a candy bar from the store with out paying? Or even taken two pieces of candy from a candy dish on Halloween when it is clearly stated "One piece, per person"? Taking something that isn't yours is stealing and stealing is a form of criminal behavior. That I believe is nature. However, the child who steals candy will not necessarily grow up to commit more heinous crimes. I think that people who commit robberies and murders, etc. are influenced by their environments.