Genetics

Question 1

Is predisposition to ASB necessarily excusing?

Answer 1

1. No because it does not mean that you do not know it is wrong or that you cannot control your behaviour
2. Still often used as a mitigating factor
3. Double-edged sword  Can go against your case when it comes to recidivism risk
4. Judges are not as sensitive to neuroscientific information as was originally thought  There is a difference in judgement outcome but it is not significant

Question 2

What is the influence of genetics on behaviour?

Answer 2

1. Explains +/- 1/3 of behaviour (up to 50%)
2. Relationships with parental criminality:
   - Stronger relationship with father (2 to 5 times more likely) than with mother (2 to 3 times more likely)
   - Both  4 to 56 times more likely
3. Always control whether or not there was contact with biological parents!

Question 3

Behavioural genetics

Answer 3

The study of the association of variation in genotype with variation in personality function and behaviour

Question 4

Epigenetics

Answer 4

The study of how genes are regulated and how variation in such regulation is associated with variation in phonotypes/gene expression

Question 5

MAOA gene and ASB

Answer 5

1. X-linked genes  Females have two, males have only one  Issues if under-expressed  Much more common in males
2. MAOA has an effect on:
   - Dopamine system involved in mood, motivation, reward and arousal
   - Serotonin system involved in impulse control, affect regulation, sleep and appetite
   - Epinephrine/norepinephrine system involved in fight-or-flight and ANS
3. Requires a gene-environment interaction