Naturevs.NurtureBehavioralGeneticsandtheLaw.pptVIP

Nature vs. Nurture:Behavioral Genetics and the Law By Kathryn Baker The Gene x Environment Interaction The formula for how genetics and life experiences influence a person Many professionals believe that violent behavior is linked to a person’s life experiences Research is being done on many fronts to help the courts deal with new discoveries regarding the human genome and how it affects behavior What is MAOA? Monoamine Oxidase A – a gene on the X chromosome; codes for MAOA enzyme which, when there are low amounts, inactivates neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine Linked to the prevalence of anti-social and aggressive behavior in males who were maltreated as children The Dunedin Study: Testing the Effects of MAOA Hypothesis: “that MAOA genotype can moderate the influence of childhood maltreatment on neural systems implicated in antisocial behavior” Participants (3-11 years of age): 8% severely maltreated as children, 28% probable maltreatment, 64% no maltreatment Psychological assessment at age 26 Summary of some results: Males with high levels of MAOA activity were less affected by childhood maltreatment Conduct disorder more common among maltreated males with low levels of MAOA activity Violent crime convictions more common among maltreated males with low levels of MAOA activity The Numbers Approximately 80% of maltreated males with low levels of MAOA activity were reported to have conduct disorder Approximately 40% of maltreated males with high levels of MAOA activity were reported to have conduct disorder Maltreated males with low levels of MAOA activity made up 12% of the group BUT they accounted for 44% of the group’s violent crime convictions 85% of maltreated males with low levels of MAOA activity developed antisocial behaviors Court Cases Mobley v. State (1994): Mobley convicted of murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm; wanted evidence presented that said he had deficient MAOA activity; denied be