GENE EXPRESSION AND CRIMINAL CULPABILITY: RETHINKING RESPONSIBILITY IN THE AGE OF EPIGENETICS

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Auteur principal: Dalia Kadry Ahmed Abdelaziz
Format: Recurso digital
Publié: Zenodo 2026
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author Dalia Kadry Ahmed Abdelaziz
author_facet Dalia Kadry Ahmed Abdelaziz
contents <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><em><span>Recent advances in epigenetics, provide a new perspective on how life experiences, and context shape gene expression, and in so doing, challenge prior conceptualizations of criminal responsibility. This article explores whether epigenetic aspects related to impulse control and cognitive functions should play a role in deciding the legality of mens rea and imputability. Through a combination of philosophical accounts and contemporary biosocial science, the analysis considers doctrinal import for actus reus, defenses, and sentencing. The findings suggest that epigenetic states modulate criminal capacity, but do not deterministically cause conduct; thus, such evidence is evidence of responsibility, but does not remove it. The article will expand on this by developing a principled approach to introducing epigenetic analysis in court, setting up expert testimony guidelines, and establishing sentencing mechanisms that are responsive to life course influences without diminishing accountability. Through this, the aim is to bring together biosocial understanding with a fundamental understanding of justice – leading to more balanced and fair decisions in criminal cases.</span></em></strong></p>
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spellingShingle GENE EXPRESSION AND CRIMINAL CULPABILITY: RETHINKING RESPONSIBILITY IN THE AGE OF EPIGENETICS
Dalia Kadry Ahmed Abdelaziz
Epigenetics, Criminal Responsibility, Mens Rea, Legal Admissibility, Biosocial Justice.
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><em><span>Recent advances in epigenetics, provide a new perspective on how life experiences, and context shape gene expression, and in so doing, challenge prior conceptualizations of criminal responsibility. This article explores whether epigenetic aspects related to impulse control and cognitive functions should play a role in deciding the legality of mens rea and imputability. Through a combination of philosophical accounts and contemporary biosocial science, the analysis considers doctrinal import for actus reus, defenses, and sentencing. The findings suggest that epigenetic states modulate criminal capacity, but do not deterministically cause conduct; thus, such evidence is evidence of responsibility, but does not remove it. The article will expand on this by developing a principled approach to introducing epigenetic analysis in court, setting up expert testimony guidelines, and establishing sentencing mechanisms that are responsive to life course influences without diminishing accountability. Through this, the aim is to bring together biosocial understanding with a fundamental understanding of justice – leading to more balanced and fair decisions in criminal cases.</span></em></strong></p>
title GENE EXPRESSION AND CRIMINAL CULPABILITY: RETHINKING RESPONSIBILITY IN THE AGE OF EPIGENETICS
topic Epigenetics, Criminal Responsibility, Mens Rea, Legal Admissibility, Biosocial Justice.
url https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20068268