research paper

As we have discussed, there are many theories as to why some people commit crimes. The concept of eugenics and the 1927 U.S. Supreme Court case of Buck v. Bell present a particularly unique situation.

Research the 1927 U.S. Supreme Court case of Buck v. Bell. The case involved state-enforced eugenic sterilization for people who were considered feebleminded or otherwise genetically inferior. Write a two-page research paper (not counting the title and reference pages) on your findings. Summarize the case, define the eugenic movement, and discuss its role in this case.

Address the following points within your research paper:

• Define eugenics. What theory or theories of criminology does eugenics relate to?
• What happened to eugenics, particularly to enforced sterilization, in the years following the Supreme Court’s findings in the Buck v. Bell case? What is the current legal status of enforced sterilization in the United States?
• Is the study of genetics (especially heredity) sufficiently predictable to justify using it to make decisions such as those imposed on Carrie Buck? Should genetics be used as the basis for any type of legal decision? Make sure that you support your answers.

You are required to use at least two outside sources for your research paper. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited and referenced.