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The role of science in violence prevention


October 17, 2012

If possible, should violence be prevented? Most people would undoubtedly reply “yes.” However, if the method of prevention is to test innocent, young children for genetic mutations and to classify particular behaviors, would the original answer be steadfast?

ASU Regents' Professor of Law Gary Marchant poses such questions in a Future Tense article on developments in neuroscience that can identify markers for those who are predisposed to violent behavior. However, the developments prove to be controversial. Marchant illustrates the tension between preemptive identification and intervention in contrast to the stigmatization and privacy issues that could result.

In "Should We Screen Kid's Brains and Genes To ID Future Criminals?", Marchart cautions that such advancements “will identify only increased probabilities of violent behaviors, not certainties.” Additionally, there may be severe psychological fallout for children who are tagged as potential future criminals.

In spite of potential stigmatization, Marchant asserts a “growing body of studies is showing that social, behavioral, nutritional, or pharmaceutical interventions can reduce the antisocial or violent behavior of at-risk youths.”

Before such preemptive criminal testing is ever implemented, a clear plan of intervention must be designed and tested that embolden those identified children to lead normal lives and avoid violent behavior. 

Marchant's piece is one in a series of articles that accompany a live Future Tense event in Washington, D.C. on neurolaw, My Brain Made Me Do It, which will be webcast live on ASUtv from 9 to 11:15 a.m., Oct. 22.

Future Tense is a collaboration among ASU, the New America Foundation, and  Slate  magazine that explores the ways emerging technologies affect policy and society.

Article source: Slate Magazine

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