Abstract
The present contribution analyses the relevance of the genetic predispositions in the field of Criminal Law. Its principal effect is basically associated with the sphere of the Insanity Defense, due to the fact that a number of psychiatric alterations or abnormalities relevant for the Insanity Defense show a genetic basis. This statement has been recently confirmed by new scientific evidences and in the judicial framework by the Sentence of the Court of Appeal of Trieste (Italy) from 18th September 2009 which accepts the genetic characteristics of the defendant as a relevant data in order to cut the sentence given to a person convicted of murder.
Description
Genetics as a relevant factor for the purpose of judging criminal imputability. Status of the issue and critical perspective. Considering particularly the Decision of the Trieste Court of Appeals (Italy) of September 18, 2009
