Born to Rage? : A Case Study of the Warrior Gene

Behavioral genetic findings can change the way individuals feel about their own behavior and DNA. Depending on how individuals are exposed to these research findings, and how the results are presented, the results can determine how an individual internalizes the presented information. This internalization can alter the way an individual understands the relationship between free will and genetic determinism. These internalizations then carry over in the criminal justice system primarily in the mitigation stage of criminal court cases. By exploring academic and popular media coverage of the MAOA-L gene variant, also known as the warrior gene, I outline the differences between academic and popular media. Furthermore, I analyze a television show: <italic>Born to Rage?<italic> and outline its coverage of controversial topics, use of field experts, images and language. I conclude that research findings regarding the MAOA-L gene variant should not be used, especially within the court room due to the infancy of the science and inconsistency of science regarding neurotransmitters and aggressive behavior.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Murphy, Sarah Anne

• Criminal Justice System

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/37295

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/37295