Chapter 3 FBS

Family Dynamics in Criminal Behavior

• Father and Son Duo: Bernard Peters and his son, Scott, have shared a cell at Elmira Correctional Facility for nearly 15 years.

• Case Study: Numerous familial connections are highlighted in relation to criminal behavior within families, connecting biological and social factors.

  • The Bogle Clan: Showcases a family history rife with criminal convictions and run-ins with the law.

  • Example: Dale Vincent (Rooster) Bogle, with a criminal record in Texas and multiple arrests in Oregon.

Heredity and Criminal Behavior

• Concept of Heredity: It involves the transmission of traits from parents to offspring through genes.

• Impact on Personality and Behavior: Genetic traits can influence behavioral and personality characteristics, which encompass impulsivity, aggression, and criminal tendencies.

Personality Traits and Temperament

• Personality Definition: Regularities in behavior that form a coherent sense of self; behaviors are organized into traits.

• Temperament: Refers to stable emotional and behavioral reactions present from a young age; it can predispose individuals to certain behaviors, including criminality.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• Lists a variety of mental disorders including:

  • Schizophrenia

  • Bipolar disorders

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Personality disorders

  • This section depicts the breadth of psychological factors influencing behavior.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

• Diagnostic Criteria: Involves a pervasive pattern of disregard for others, with symptoms including:

  • Repeated criminal acts.

  • Deceitfulness and manipulation.

  • Impulsivity and aggression.

• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and show evidence of conduct disorder from a young age.

Genetic Studies on Crime

• Twin Studies: Investigate the influence of genetics versus environment on criminal behaviors.

  • Identical twins vs. fraternal twins explore shared environments and genetics.

• Concordance Rates: Demonstrates that identical twins show a higher concordance rate for criminal behaviors compared to fraternal twins.

Brain Function and Criminal Behavior

• Brain Lobes: The frontal lobes are critical for high cognitive functions which, when impaired, can lead to problematic behaviors.

  • Executive Functioning: Organization, focus, effort, emotions, memory, and action regulation are key to leading a law-abiding life.

Environmental Influence on Behavior

• Adoption Studies: Data indicates a link between biological parents' criminal history and adopted children's behavior, even in healthy environments.

  • Results suggest genetic predispositions continue to influence behavior regardless of the environment.

  • Example: Jeffrey Landrigan reflects on the link between his criminal behavior and his family history.

Behavioral Genetics in Legal System

• Italian Court Case: A convicted murderer's sentence was reduced due to identified genes linked to violent behavior, showcasing the intersection of genetics and law.

  • Raises questions about the scientific validity of using genetic predisposition as mitigating factors in court.

Case Studies Highlighting Genetic Influence

• Dutch Study: Investigated a family with a history of violence possibly linked to a genetic defect on the X chromosome.

  • Links aggression to a defect on the MAO-A gene, suggesting a hereditary component in aggressive behaviors.

Conclusion: Interplay of Genes and Environment

• The evidence points to a complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in explaining criminal behaviors across generations, indicating that both aspects must be considered in understanding criminality.