The authors are very well known in this small but growing subfield of criminology.They discuss biological and genetic research associated with criminality, as well as discuss research into specific environmental agents that cause, facilitate, or maintain criminal propensity. This text is geared for upper level undergraduate and graduate students in criminal justice and criminology, sociology, and psychology programs. Features and Benefits □ Introduces the reader to the life-course perspective, a “hot topic” in criminology theory □ Integrates both studies in life-course and research involving biological and genetic factors in crime behavior/propensity with discussions of cutting edge research □ Includes boxes on “Stanley,” a life-course persistent thief, in each chapter. □ Illustration program contains diagrams of the brain and nervous system, photos, etc. to aid students' understanding of the biological content. □ Includes pedagogical features such as a number of special interest boxes on topics such as the influence of lead on brain development, and the limitations of parental influences New to this Edition: • Two new chapters ‘Special Topics in the Life Course: Psychopathy, Early Onset, and Drug Influences on Criminality’ and ‘Special Topics in the Life Course: Families and Crime’ • Updated and revised chapters due to major research developments in this fast moving field • This edition incorporates findings from over 160 new studies that were not included in the first edition • Review questions at ends of chapters • Incorporates policy discussions

Genetics and Crime

Genetics and crime

Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative.

H. G. WELLS (1866–1946)

If there has been a revolution in modern science, it can be found in the journals that hold the studies linking biological characteristics to human behavior and traits. Diverse fields, including neuropsychology, behavioral genetics, and molecular chemistry, report daily an almost endless array of important discoveries. These findings have removed any doubt that certain biological features of human beings influence adaptive—or, conversely, maladaptive—behavioral styles (see Figure 4.1).

The influence of these findings has yet to fully penetrate criminology. Indeed, as we have stated before, linking biological functioning to criminal behavior is still intellectually unpopular among many criminologists. The tide may be turning, but to understand the current state ...

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