Research paper

Candice S. Waters

January 3, 2019

English Composition I

Citation:

Feresin E. (2009) Lighter Sentence for Murder with ‘Bad Genes’.

Nature doi:10.1038/news.2009.1050

Summary:

Brunner Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder associated with a mutation in the MAOA

gene. It is characterized a problematic impulsive behavior (such as hyper-sexuality and violence), sleep disorders and mood swings. It was identified in fourteen males from one family in 1993. It has since been discovered in two additional families. In 2009, an Italian Appeal court granted a reduced sentence to a convicted murderer (Abdelmalek Bayout), on grounds that he had a version of the MAOA gene. Bayout killed a man because he confronted him about the religious make up he was wearing. Bayout stabbed and killed Walter Felipe Novoa Perez. Although to some this may seem extremely ridiculous, there are growing studies showing that low-expression variant of MAOA, known as MAOA-L has been linked in various studies with increased risk of violent and aggressive behavior.

Response:

This is a clear example of how genes can influence one’s behavior; however, it is not stated on what this particular man’s background and rearing consisted of. Are all individuals diagnosed with Brunner syndrome prone to violent behavior and hyper-sexuality? I also agree with the fact that if prosecutors want to use this gene to get their clients a shorter sentence because the clients violence was due to there genetics. We can use it against the alleged criminal by proving if this individual is released he may commit a violent crime again. If he can’t control himself, he is put into a stressful situation he could kill again and there for should not be out on the street with many unsuspecting triggers.