The Use of Behavioral Genetics in the Justice SystemIntroductionA complex and relatively new area of ​​study, behavioral genetics is particularly interesting because it sheds light on the inner workings of a favorite subject : ourselves. Human behavioral genetics is broadly defined as the examination and characterization of genes as the basis of human behavior. The link between genetics and behavior was first recognized by Sir Francis Galton, a 19th century scientist and cousin of the very famous Charles Darwin, who studied the heritability of mental abilities of close relatives and members of the family (Stigler, 2010). Since then, genetics have been linked to many other behavioral phenotypes, from feeding and mating activities to substance abuse, social attitudes, violence, and mental abilities. Geneticists are able to study this by analyzing parallels between the physical and behavioral characteristics of families and populations (Rothstein, 2005). However, as in many other new areas of science, the study of behavioral genetics and its implications are the subject of increased scrutiny and controversy. Although there are no conclusive results yet, applications for this genetic information will likely emerge in areas such as education, employment, insurance and criminal justice. With the results of this genetic research having the capacity to influence such broad and important areas in our society, many people are concerned about the ethical, legal, and social implications that behavioral genetics raises. Who will be authorized to access this information, and for what purpose? There is a fine line between information that could be extremely useful in our society and information that could be used in a discriminatory and harmful way...... middle of article ...... specific genes when examining l DNA (NCB). This is often difficult because many genes are involved as well as environmental factors that affect the phenotypic behavior exhibited. Associations between a genetic variant and a behavioral trait have been found, but have not been successfully replicated by other researchers (NCB). Linkage and association studies are used when studying behavior, but because linkage studies are less applicable (because behavioral traits do not segregate in a simple dominant and recessive manner), association studies are more commonly used. According to the Nuffield Council of Bioethics, association studies "compare the frequency of a particular genetic variant in a case cohort (a group of people with a particular behavioral characteristic) with a set of matched controls (a similar group of people not having this characteristic).).”