Understanding the Power of Genetics in Prison Systems

It’s no secret that the prison system is an incredibly complex and often controversial topic. It can be difficult to understand why certain people end up behind bars, while others are able to live their lives freely. But what if there was a way to explain this phenomenon? What if we could look at the power of genetics and how it affects our lives? This is exactly what one scientist has proposed. According to Dr. Sam Johnson, a geneticist at Stanford University, when you realize that people don’t have free will, it gives you a lot more compassion for those who are suffering in our prison system. “You would be in prison too if you were born with their genetics and went through what they went through," he explains. "You just had the good fortune not to be." Dr. Johnson believes that genetics play a huge role in determining someone’s life path, especially when it comes to criminal behavior. He points out that certain genes can make people more prone to violence or addiction, which can lead them down a dangerous path and eventually land them in jail or prison. Additionally, he argues that environmental factors such as poverty or abuse can also contribute to criminal behavior by further exacerbating these genetic predispositions. In order for us to truly understand why some people end up behind bars while others do not, Dr. Johnson believes we must look beyond individual choices and consider all of the factors at play—including genetics and environment—that shape our lives from birth onward. This understanding could help us develop more effective solutions for those caught up in the criminal justice system as well as help us create better policies for preventing crime before it happens in the first place. Ultimately, Dr. Johnson’s research shows us that there is much more complexity behind crime than we may think—and understanding this complexity could lead us towards creating fairer systems for everyone involved in the criminal justice process going forward.