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Essay / Research into two genes linked to violent crime
900 criminals in Finland were used in a genetic analysis research and it showed that two genes were associated with violent behavior. However, these two genes cannot be used to identify criminals, as there are many other genes that play an important role in violent behavior as well as environmental factors. This study was the first to examine the genetic makeup of violent criminals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The first gene is known as the warrior gene. Each criminal was assigned a profile based on the offenses and these were categorized into violent and non-violent crimes. 78 criminals had the strongest association between genes and past behavior and fit the extremely violent offender profile. This group had committed 1,154 murders, homicides, attempted homicides or assaults. These criminals all carry a MAOA gene (scientific name for the Warrior Gene because it is linked to aggressive behavior) in a less active version. The second gene is called the Criminal Gene. The MAOA gene and a variant of cadherin 13 (CDH13) are the two genes associated with repeat violent offenders. The MAOA gene codes for the enzyme monoamine oxidase A. This enzyme controls the amount of dopamine (which plays a role in the functioning of the body and the brain) and serotonin (present in the central nervous system) which is the basis of our behavior. Criminals classified as nonviolent offenders did not have this genetic profile. There is a deficiency of the enzyme that could lead to “dopamine hyperactivity” and this occurs especially when an individual consumes alcohol or drugs. In Finland, most crimes are committed when criminals are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Currently, the person's genetic information should not affect their conviction in criminal courts. Many factors contribute to a person's mental capacity, but the only thing that matters is that they understand the consequences of what they do and whether they can control their own behavior. There is nothing that takes away someone's free will or understanding of what is right or wrong, genes and environment only affect them to a certain extent. Genetic factors only make it more difficult to control violent impulses, but they cannot determine how long a crime lasts. This source is recent; it was published on October 28, 2014. There was similar information on this topic, so I don't doubt my conclusions. There is no bias, the tone of the writing was formal and, as if proper research had been done, the language was of high quality. No conclusion was left unturned. This can be considered reliable. The author is a BBC News science journalist and her credentials are highly valued. A number of scientists who found similar results also supported this article. The conclusions of the scientists on which the article is based come from different universities. It was not mentioned whether the results were reviewed. This research was carried out in Finland but it does not affect the research because people have the same genes in other countries and the crimes of these criminals are committed everywhere. So this is considered valid.Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayThis refined my research and gave me a better understanding how and what genes can.