The Ethics and Implications of ASF Gene Testing: Government Mandates, Safeguards, and Sentencing Considerations
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
For this assignment, as we look at emerging trends in the study of ASF gene testing, let us assume that science has been able to identify the particular gene that is associated with an increased risk of adult antisocial behavior in that person with this gene four times more likely to commit a felony from the ages of 18–30 than are persons who lack this gene (call the culprit gene ASF, short for AntiSocial Factor). What should you do with this information? For this task, you may want to research how governments have used genetic information in the past (e.g, phrenology was routinely used in the 19th century in America and Europe, and has since been discredited).
Your response should address the following:
Should the government mandate testing for the emerging trend of ASF gene testing? Why or why not?
Answer the following questions even if you believe that the government should not test for ASF: If the government does test for the ASF gene, what should be done about people who test positive for the ASF gene? For example, should they be denied a security clearance for sensitive jobs? Explain and justify your position.
What additional conditions or safeguards would you want in place if ASF testing were used?
If a person with the ASF gene is convicted of a crime, should their ASF status be considered as part of their sentencing? If yes, how so?
Include a title page, abstract, and separate reference page.
Additional Resources
Genetics and Crime: Integrating New Genomic Discoveries Into Psychological Research About Antisocial Behavior
Impact of Behavioral Genetic Evidence on the Adjudication of Criminal Behavior
Please submit your assignment.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials. Find resources on how to write academically and use APA citations, including an example of Masters-level writing, in the Writing Style Guide for Master’s Students.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
The discovery that the ASF gene is linked to an increased risk of adult antisocial behavior raises ethical and societal questions, particularly about government requirements for ASF gene testing, how those who test positive are treated, and how ASF status is taken into account in sentencing for crimes. This essay examines the potential advantages and disadvantages of government mandates for ASF gene testing, considers potential repercussions for those who test positive, suggests additional requirements and safety precautions for ASF testing, and considers the potential application of ASF status in criminal sentencing.
Should the government impose testing requirements for the newly popular ASF gene testing?
ASF gene testing requirements generate several moral and practical issues. Detecting those who carry the gene may help curb criminal activity, but it may also result in stigmatization, discrimination, and invasion of privacy. Genetic data may also be abused or interpreted incorrectly, which could result in unjust accusations or harmful treatment. As a result, while the government could promote ASF gene testing and offer people information and counseling, forcing it would probably be counterproductive.
What should be done with those who test positive for the ASF gene if the government does conduct ASF gene testing?
If ASF testing were employed, conditions and protections should be in place to protect people’s privacy and eliminate prejudice. The ASF gene should not be used to automatically exclude people from employment or other possibilities. Instead, kids ought to receive therapy and support to stop the emergence of antisocial conduct. However, if they display criminal activity, their ASF status might be taken into account along with other criteria when determining the probability of recidivism.
If ASF testing were employed, what additional requirements or protections would you want in place?
There should be tight guidelines for the access, usage, and storage of genetic information as well as voluntary and confidential ASF testing. People should have access to adequate counseling and support to help them comprehend and deal with the effects of their ASF status. ASF status should not be the lone factor considered when making decisions about jobs, housing, or insurance to avoid prejudice. Regulations should also be in place to stop law enforcement and other authorities from misusing genetic data.
Should the ASF status of someone who has been found guilty of a crime be taken into account while determining their sentence? In that case, how?
The ASF status could be taken into account with other variables when determining the possibility of recidivism and the proper level of punishment, but it shouldn’t be the only basis for a criminal sentence. For instance, if a person with ASF status commits a violent crime, the court might take into account the person’s higher risk of committing another crime and the necessity for specialized care to stop them from committing crimes in the future. However, the ASF designation shouldn’t be used to support heavier sentences or to reject parole or other possibilities for rehabilitation.
Citations: Jones, O. D. (2018). Integrating recent genomic discoveries with psychological research on antisocial behavior: Genetics and Crime. 48–57 in Journal of Personality Disorders, Volume 32(Supplement).
B. Garland (2017). Effect of behavioral genetic data on the assessment of criminal behavior. 159–178 in Journal of Law and Policy, 25(2).
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