Genetic basis of aggression: Overview and implications for legal proceedings

Abstract

History and patterns of aggressive behavior represent an integral part of the offender's profile during forensic investigations. Traditionally, the majority of evidence on determinants of criminal behavior is contributed by environmental data. In the past two decades, a growing body of research in the fields of neurobiology and genetics has immensely enriched our understanding of the topic. This paper provides a systematic overview of genetic factors believed to govern the development of aggressive and criminal behavior in humans. A particular emphasis is given to the polymorphisms of genes involved in serotonergic and dopaminergic metabolisms in relationship to varying aggressive behavioral outcomes. In addition to approaches focused on individual genes, whole genome analyses, interplay between genetic factors, as well as gene-environment interactions, are also discussed with respect to this complex behavior. Finally, severity of incorporating these findings into the justice system, as well as the importance of considering them in contemporary criminalistics, are contemplated.