should murderers , rapists etc be jailed and incriminated ? Is evolution theory their silent defence?

Question

science has come a long way and in genetics its now common to say " its in the genes " . We now know \that certain deaths that used to point towards murder were infact a deviation of the normal as a result of genetic predisposition , things like ability for a child to retain large amounts of salt . We now know that certain behaviour can now be explained in the same manner . We now have things like " xyz has aggressive tendencies " Mothers that kill their babies soon after birth needs to be screened for postmaternal depression etc Basically it is not their fault . why can,t all cases of "crimes " be treated the same .Are human beings already practising " genetic cleansing" through the back door . Ie xyz had murdered tyd thus must save 40 yrs in prison or life , thus putting an end to that genetic line

Answer 1

so is it alright to let them go free and murder and kill the rest of us?

Answer 2

Just because someone is predisposed for something through genes, doesn't mean that this person was not of sound mind while doing the crime. Our brains are the "masters" of our bodies, and have the capacity of overriding what our genes dictate. Especially, considering that the person's parents, environment, etc. had an influence on shaping this individual into an adult. Genes alone can't be held accountable for one's actions.

Just because someone has high IQ, doesn't mean he/she will become a scientist.
Just because someone's predisposed for addiction, doesn't mean he/she will become an addict.
We can think on our own and can make our own decisions.

Postpartum depression is not strictly genetic (if at all). It's caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, thus considered a temporary mental disorder. Something the woman doesn't have control over.

I don't know about the "genetic cleansing" theory. It may seem like it at first, but consider the fact that most criminals qualify for parole after some time served. Besides, would you want to have a serial killer on the loose???

Answer 3

If someone is guilty of such a crime then yes they should be jailed because I doubt very seriously if any of these individuals can be rehabilitated.
However I disagree with the genetic cleansing you are referring to. Who knows what that child would grow up to be? It is the classic "nature v nurture" argument and I think that in many cases nurture trumps nature. You take two children and place one in a nurturing environment and the other in an abusive household and all things being equal you are more likely to have a positive outcome for the child in the nurturing environment...but do not discount the child in the other more difficult circumstances. I should know, I grew up in an abusive household but I became more empathetic to others who grew up in similar circumstances.
You also noticed that these same mothers you are talking about such as Paula Yates and Susan Smith, are tried for their crimes and held accountable. I feel that the responsibility is also upon them to realize they have a problem and get help before it gets to the point of infanticide. Even in a diminished capacity they should see that they cannot handle things and do something about it to save their children.

Answer 4

What u are talking about does not make any sense. A women who kills her baby after birth is someone who has post partum depression and this is not genetic..it's an imbalance in the brain that needs to be treated. When one goes thur so many changes in the body, this happens and the mother is not at fault! how dare u say that??? not all women are the same.

Your question does not make any sense.

Answer 5

Nature versus Nurture has been argued to a great extent, and in the end they've agreed that human behavior is a result of both.
In that way, most people cannot be excused for immoral behavior on the basis that they are genetically disposed to it. Sure, they can blame it on "Mommy never hugged me," but in the end, most of it is a cognitive decision.
Most people can't use these as viable excuses, and should take responsibility for their actions.

Answer 6

They should be jailed for life...no more excuses. Everybody seems to have an excuse for what they did. They still know right from wrong so there is no excuse...tell that to the murder victim or the families. Have victims lost all of their rights? and why should the people who commit the crimes have more rights than the people they murdered or raped? It's just not right.

Answer 7

Preserve the good genes and destroy bad & mutated persons because it is never good.
I want legaly judged murderers, rapist be jailed just to wait for their scheduled incriminations...because...
- It will end up their victimizing people who just want to live happy
in this world.
- When having to be punished by death, it is terrible to think, for
them to regret, be remorseful and sorry of their sins and
have a chance for their spirit to be saved, except those
without conscience & regrets and love the hell.
- If long life jailed, they can deceived anybody to
be "changed", "promise not to do it again"...then
paroled/pardoned and released back to society with too
much hatred/revenged in their heart, and in silent commit
more sins, offense and victims in the society that they
accidentaly were accepted again.

Answer 8

I don't know enough about psychology to comment on whether the "facts" expressed here are correct or not, but surely if we're saying that from birth somebody is destined to be a rapist, or a murderer, then where else can they go other than prison (or a secure hospital, granted)? Its just a shame that, if Roy's views on psychology are correct, we have to wait for them to murder/rape/etc. someone before we do anything about it.

Answer 9

ahhhh genetic cleansing and the interpretation of criminal tendencies through the shape of your head...... genetics isn't that advanced and most crimes are social more than anything else blame the parents for bad parenting rather than bad genes

Answer 10

"It's in my genes" will never be a legitimate defence just as "I come from a horrible family who never let me watch Grange Hill" or "My mother made me wear handknitted jumpers to school" are not recognised defences. It's just tough.