From: Harvey Newstrom (mail@HarveyNewstrom.com)
Date: Mon Jul 29 2002 - 10:49:11 MDT
On Monday, July 29, 2002, at 11:11 am, John K Clark wrote:
> "Harvey Newstrom" <mail@HarveyNewstrom.com> Wrote:
>> Are you implying that criminals are genetically disposed to be
>> criminals?
>
> I'm sure some are, most probably are not. What difference does it make?
Are you kidding? This would make a world of difference!
If it turned out that a substantial fraction of criminal behavior was
due to a genetic disorder, this would greatly influence detection,
prevention and rehabilitation. We could cure some criminal behaviors
with medical science. We could detect the cause, implement the cure,
and then verify rehabilitation. This would invite major changes in the
penal system or in our acceptance of the death penalty if certain
criminals could be cured with technology. (If a specific gene could be
linked to a specific criminal behavior....)
I don't expect this to turn out to be true, however. I don't believe
any criminal behavior is directly genetic. I think there are some
indirect correlations to strength, aggression, size, mental development,
and the like. But I am not really expecting crime to be cured by
science. As long as people are free to choose (which is a good thing),
some people will end up making poor choices.
-- Harvey Newstrom, CISSP <www.HarveyNewstrom.com> Principal Security Consultant <www.Newstaff.com>
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