Violence—a noxious cocktail of genes and the environment

Kayla Jones

The article explores the topic of genes being a link in the cause of violence. This concept was actually used as defense in a murder trial in Georgia in 1991. The defense attorneys of Stephen Mobley wanted their client tested for a particular genetic mutation. It was their contention that if this mutation was present, then he would not be responsible for his behavior and should be exonerated for a murder committed during an armed robbery. Because this had not been substantiated by scientific evidence, two courts denied their request. However, now we must consider if violent behavior is influenced by genetics, as well as one’s environment. If so, then should we excuse this behavior? Many people consider violence to be an acceptable behavior and a necessity for survival of the fittest. Now, for the first time, we are looking at violence in a negative manner and considering the genetic influences on violent behavior.

In the article, Moosajee provides the definition of violence according to the World Health Organization as being: “The intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, mal- development or deprivation.” If the genetic mutation is present, then the person’s action is not intentional, it is caused by genetics.

The author believes that violence should be viewed as a disease, like diabetes. According to Moosajee, everyone has the predisposition to be violent; some of us can control it better than others. And, in some cases, something could go wrong with this gene, resulting in our inability to control violent behavior.

A study was done in 1993 by Brunner which provided evidence of antisocial behavior being caused by genetic mutation. In this study, genetic and metabolic tests were done on the males of a Dutch family who displayed violence and antisocial behaviors. All of these males had a defect on their X chromosome which causes low concentrations of chemicals that transmit messages within the brain. No other tests have been done on humans, however numerous experiments on been done on mice and all of these substantiate Brunner’s findings.

It has long been thought that factors such as mal treatment, abuse of children and other environmental influences are risk factors for violent behavior as an adult. However, a study was done by Caspi that proved that environmental factors alone do not cause violent behavior. . In fact, all of the participates that exhibited violence also had deficiencies of the chemicals in the brain.

I chose this article because I am minoring in criminal justice and my dad was employed by Virginia Department of corrections. I have always been interested in criminal behavior and its causes. It has been my belief that violence was caused by an abnormality within the brain or by choice, not because of genetics. It will be interesting to see if more studies will be done on this subject. Also, will this be a legal defense in the future of those charged of violent crimes. I have to wonder will they be exonerated.