Born Criminal? Essay Examples

It is said that all it takes is one adult to make a difference in a child's life. In studying the origins of crime, especially we are focused on the influences of biology, heredity and genetics, it maybe be refreshing to study the origins of greatness. That will be an interesting study. To compare and contrast the study of biology and crime relation, a study of great people and their biological background will be a good sport. Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, and even Ophra Winfrey came from shabby backgrounds. Using the study of biology and crime, can we predict the outcome of that study? Can the study offer alternative perspectives?
In the world of American Dream patriotism study of biology-crime relationship is off-putting at best. It suggests a brand of discrimination that is equal to racial and social injustice. That is why it is quite impressive that there are scientific facts surfacing out of the study in favor of the hypothesis. "Our personalities and behavioral tendencies, including tendencies toward antisocial behavior, are at least partially controlled by genetic conditions present at birth." (Simons et al, 2004)
However, there is something disturbing in studying the relationship of biology and crime from the beginning. Its motive is right out flawed and discriminating. Further analysis that BOTH biological and environmental influences contribute to criminal behavior does not improve bias that the question imposes. The premise of the question from the onset is vindictive in nature and actually off-tangent. It bypasses the very pivotal point in a human being's decision making: Will. Without this context, the study of relation between biology and crime is futile, even the study of both biology and environment versus crime. From the available knowledge we know at this era, we can predict that no matter how far this study advances, it can never reach the point where it can be used as evidence in court without being loathsomely discriminatory because it fails to place it in the proper context of the power of human decision-making process. Even Wright and Beaver's study of self-control as a theory of crime does not quite make the cut in the study of Will. Self-control is passive and a work against force, while Will is motivated and active. (Wright and Beaver, 2005) To use genetic evidence against a suspect, biological evidence must reach the level of scientific credibility wherein it can be used to DEFEND a suspect. "His biological make up, plus his environmental influences, dictate that the defendant has 87% likely to be innocent." Unless this is perceived to be a possibility, the genetics-crime relationship is fundamentally misguided. Now, if genetics and environmental influences is studied in relation to its impact to the Will or decision-making process, the study on biology-crime relation, with such good backdrop, may lead to milestones in criminology.
Biology and Crime relationship is an important study, but it must be place in the proper context. It is like explaining the importance of a historic event in its proper time frame.

References

Wright J.P. and Beaver K.M. (2005). Do Parents Matter in Creating Self-control in their children? A Genetically Informed Test of Gottfredson and Hirschi's Theory of Low Self-control. Criminology Vol. 43, 1169-1202)
Simons, R.L., Simons, L.G., and Wallace, L.E. 2004. Families, Delinquency, and Crime: Linking Society’s Most Basic Institution to Antisocial Behavior. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury. (ISBN 1- 931719-30-6).