Behavioral Genetics and Criminals Jennifer L. Cook Psy 496 Richard Moyer December 15th, 2008 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to take a look into behavioral genetics and their role with criminals. With the rate of criminals increasing and people having more kids at a younger age it was something to consider and research. The paper will take a look at a number of different studies and see how genetic makeup can play a role in the age old question are humans born bad? If individuals are predisposed to being criminals is it there responsibility to seek proper help to allow them to make effective choices in which they will be able to avoid triggering situations. Behavioral Genetics and Criminals It seems as though our prisons are growing with the number of criminals. One must ask why it is that there are a growing number of criminals. If we were to look we would see that more and more people are having children, therefore it could explain why there would be more criminals. This is one reason as to why behavioral genetics and criminals should be looked into more. Once criminals are labeled it creates a stigma for those who may have psychological problems. According to one article certain psychological problems have been shown to be heritable and if given the right circumstances, individuals with those genes could find themselves engaging in criminal activity (Jones, 2005). Many believe that just because one is predisposed to a certain trait doesn’t mean that an individual must turn out that way; they believe that the environment plays a role just as much as genetics. This paper will start with what behavioral genetics is, and then go into how it plays a role in criminal behavior. What other factors lead to criminals being put behind bars and what can be done to help prevent them from being put behind bars. Behavioral genetics is an area of study that both scientists and criminal psychologists are starting to research and study more. Behavioral genetics...