NCJ Number
72905
Journal
ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1975) Pages: 313-321
Date Published
1975
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A review of literature on the relationship between long Y-chromosomes and criminal behavior concludes that the evidence does not permit attribution of antisocial behavior to a Y-chromosome anomaly.
Abstract
Studies are classified according to whether or not they support the chromosome anomaly-criminal behavior hypothesis. Although no definite conclusions about the crime-chromosome relationship can be reached, certain facts have been established. Average Y-chromosome length varies by race: the Y-chromosome is longer in Japanese and Semites. The difference in length affects the distal flourescent sections of the long branches, not the stable proximal nonfluorescent sections. Estimated percentages of individuals with a long Y-chromosome vary considerably in the general white population (from 1.5 to 18.6 percent), according to the study consulted. No absolute proof has even been furnished that the long Y is responsible for mental frailty or mental disturbance. In light of these findings, the significance of the long Y-chromosome must be viewed conservatively until further research has been conducted. A bibliography of 34 entries and tables are furnished. --in French.