Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2007

Keywords

forensic science, psychiatry, genotyping, monoamine oxidase gene, serotonin transporter gene, serotonin, mitigation, capital punishment, expert testimony, death penalty, genetics

Abstract

Recent research—in which subjects were studied longitudinally from childhood until adulthood—has started to clarify how a child’s environment and genetic makeup interact to create a violent adolescent or adult. For example, male subjects who were born with a particular allele of the monoamine oxidase A gene and also were maltreated as children had a much greater likelihood of manifesting violent antisocial behavior as adolescents and adults. Also, individuals who were born with particular alleles of the serotonin transporter gene and also experienced multiple stressful life events were more likely to manifest serious depression and suicidality. This research raises the question of whether testimony regarding a defendant’s genotype, exposure to child maltreatment, and experience of unusual stress is appropriate to present during the guilt or penalty phases of criminal trials, especially when capital punishment is a consideration. The authors present their experience in genotyping criminal defendants and presenting genetic information at criminal trials.

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Library of Congress Subject Headings

Monoamine oxidase, Expert evidence, Forensic sciences, Serotonin, Genetics, Genotype-environment interaction, Capital punishment, Extenuating circumstances, Psychiatry

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