Advancements in multi-omics strategies in personalized medicine and the ethical, legal and criminological considerations

Los avances en las estrategias multiómicas, tanto a nivel analítico como computacional, han llevado al desarrollo de la medicina personalizada, que adapta el tratamiento médico al individuo basado en la comprensión de su composición biológica. Este enfoque tiene el potencial de revolucionar la atención médica, al proporcionar tratamientos más efectivos y eficientes. Sin embargo, la implementación de la medicina personalizada plantea importantes cuestiones éticas, legales y sociales. Las consideraciones éticas y legales en torno a las pruebas multiómicas, los desafíos de implementar la medicina personalizada en países de rentas bajas y el papel de las leyes de propiedad intelectual en la configuración del acceso a tratamientos personalizados son temas de creciente preocupación. Algunas consideraciones incluyen cuestiones de privacidad, consentimiento informado y posibles discriminaciones. Consideraciones relevantes, en términos penales, por los importantes avances que se van a producir en los próximos años en el análisis multiómico. Los estudios ómicos van a conllevar una mayor comprensión de los mecanismos biológicos que contribuyen a enfermedades mentales y comportamientos agresivos (Jakovljevic and Jakovljevic 2019). La biología humana, que subyace a determinados trastornos que tienen gran influencia en la cuestión penal, va a ser explicada mejor por el sistema multicapa que las pruebas multiómicas propician y va a posibilitar biomarcadores bioquímicos de la agresión que nos proporcionarán gran información en los ámbitos penal y criminológico. Un aspecto ético importante es el derecho a la privacidad de la información genética. Los pacientes pueden dudar en someterse a pruebas genéticas si temen que su información sea compartida o utilizada de formas que no pretendían. El consentimiento informado es otra consideración ética y legal importante. ... (AU)

Advances in multi-omics strategies, both analytical and computational, have led to the development of personalized medicine, which tailors medical treatment to the individual based on an understanding of their biological makeup. This approach has the potential to revolutionize medical care by providing more effective and efficient treatments. However, the implementation of personalized medicine raises important ethical, legal, and social issues. Ethical and legal considerations surrounding multiomics testing, the challenges of implementing personalized medicine in low-income countries, and the role of intellectual property laws in shaping access to personalized treatments are issues of growing concern. Some considerations include issues of privacy, informed consent, and possible discrimination, considerations that may apply in criminal terms because of the significant advances that will be made in the coming years in multi-omics analysis. Omics studies are going to lead to a greater understanding of the biological mechanisms that contribute to mental illness and aggressive behaviors (Jakovljevic and Jakovljevic 2019). Human biology, which underlies certain disorders that have a great influence on the criminal issue, will be better explained by the multi-layered system that multi-omics testing provides and will reveal biochemical biomarkers of aggression that will provide us with vital information in the criminal and criminological fields. An important ethical aspect is the right to privacy of genetic information. Patients may hesitate to undergo genetic testing if they fear that their information will be shared or used in ways they did not intend. Informed consent is another important ethical and legal consideration. The potential for discrimination is also an important legal consideration surrounding genetic testing. ... (AU)

Aspectos esenciales de la prueba de ADN en el proceso penal y las bases de datos genéticos con fines de investigación criminal: la regulación española, portuguesa e italiana / No disponible

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal la realización de un análisis jurídico crítico sobre los aspectos fundamentales de la prueba de ADN en el marco del proceso penal y las bases de datos genéticos con fines de investigación criminal, haciendo especial hincapié en las particularidades de la normativa española, portuguesa e italiana existente al respecto, con la finalidad de detectar cuál es la problemática esencial que subyace en relación a la misma

The main aim of this paper is to focus on doing a critical legal analysis about the fundamental aspects regarding DNA evidence in criminal proceedings and genetic databases for purposes of criminal investigation, making especial emphasis on the singularities of the existing Spanish, Portuguese and Italian regulation which regards this issue in order to detect the essential problem which is underlying herein

[A critical review of applied criminology]. / Angewandte Kriminologie auf dem Prüfstand.

By reporting on a recent decision of the Regional Court (LG) of Marburg (Germany) calling attention to applied criminology, a concept still insufficiently considered in the administration of criminal justice, the paper argues that professional action in the execution of the sentence represents nothing else but applied criminology. Based on this assumption, the paper discusses practical diagnosis and correctional planning. Beyond that, the paper deals with the future of criminology. In the opinion of the author an important aspect for the future of criminology will be if it will be able to remain in touch with the world in which we live, as an independent empirical science. Applied criminology and its methodology constitute the link between science and practice.

Analysis of the crime scene model using three objects from the collection of the Hans Gross Museum of Criminology of the University of Graz.

As part of the collection in the Hans Gross Museum of Criminology in Graz there are still three crime scene reliefs; two of which were made by Hans Gross himself. The practical purpose of these criminal landscape models is something one could speculate about, but such models may have been useful in two fields: in the criminal lab and in the courtroom. To see the reliefs in a scientific experimental context as well as under the aspects of artwork and topography is as essential as emphasizing their genuine military character.

Sexual Violence and Abuse Against Children: A First Review Through the Lens of Environmental Criminology.

Most criminal justice responses to address sexual violence and abuse against children are aimed at identifying and incarcerating offenders or at best, trying to prevent them from reoffending. This policy situation, primarily characterized by tertiary intervention strategies, is exacerbated by a lack of evidence-based knowledge about the circumstances in which this phenomenon occurs. This specific information can inform certain types of primary and secondary prevention strategies. In this study, we are taking the first steps to address this situation by (a) organising and reviewing for the first time the empirical knowledge on this phenomenon according to questions asked by environmental criminologists and crime analysts, that is, the who, what, where, when, and how this phenomenon occurs, and (b) discussing directions for future research. By engaging in this exercise, we argue that environmental criminology can substantially contribute to understanding and informing prevention practices in the field of sexual violence and abuse against children.

[Archaeology and criminology--Strengths and weaknesses of interdisciplinary cooperation]. / Archäologie und Kriminalwissenschaft Vom Nutzen und Nachteilinterdisziplinärer Kooperation.

Interdisciplinary cooperation of archaeology and criminology is often focussed on the scientific methods applied in both fields of knowledge. In combination with the humanistic methods traditionally used in archaeology, the finding of facts can be enormously increased and the subsequent hermeneutic deduction of human behaviour in the past can take place on a more solid basis. Thus, interdisciplinary cooperation offers direct and indirect advantages. But it can also cause epistemological problems, if the weaknesses and limits of one method are to be corrected by applying methods used in other disciplines. This may result in the application of methods unsuitable for the problem to be investigated so that, in a way, the methodological and epistemological weaknesses of two disciplines potentiate each other. An example of this effect is the quantification of qualia. These epistemological reflections are compared with the interdisciplinary approach using the concrete case of the "Eulau Crime Scene".

O Banco de Perfis Genéticos Brasileiro Três Anos após a Lei nº 12.654 / The Brazilian Genetic Profile Database Three Years after Law No. 12.654

Apesar de bancos de perfis genéticos para persecução penal serem estabelecidos há cerca de vinte anos nos EUA e no Reino Unido, no Brasil, somente após a Lei n° 12.654/2012 passou‐se a admitir tal realidade. Indiscutivelmente, esta ferramenta contribui para a resolução de crimes. Entretanto, há muitas contradições legais e bioéticas sobre a coleta, a estocagem e a utilização de dados genéticos, pois há a possibilidade de uma aplicação acrítica dos avanços biotecnológicos. Propõe‐se apresentar o desenvolvimento histórico dos bancos de perfis genéticos, além de discutir as principais contradições legais e bioéticas sobre o uso da informação genética com fins criminais. Concluindo que o armazenamento destas informações deve sempre estar submetido à legislação específica, desenvolvida e aplicada com proporcionalidade. Além disso, tais normatizações devem ser calçadas por uma discussão bioética firmada na precaução e na responsabilidade (AU)

Although genetic profiles database for criminal prosecution are established for some twenty years in the U.S. and the UK, in Brazil, only after the Law No. 12,654/2012 happened to admit this reality. Undoubtedly, this tool helps to solve crimes. However, there are many legal and bioethical contradictions about the collection, storage and use of genetic data, because there is the possibility of an uncritical application of biotechnological advances. It was proposed to present the historical development of genetic profiles database, in addition to discussing major legal and bioethical contradictions about the use of genetic information for criminal purposes. Concluding that the storage of this information must always be subjected to specific legislation developed and applied with proportionality. Moreover, such norms shall be cushioned by a bioethical discussion grounded in caution and responsibility (AU)

More than a feeling: integrating empathy into the study of lawmaking, lawbreaking, and reactions to lawbreaking.

Empathy is related, directly or indirectly, to important elements in criminology such as the enactment of harsh penalties for repeat offenders, antisocial behavior, feelings of legitimacy toward the law, and attitudes toward the death penalty. Although empathy is beginning to find its way into criminological discourse, it is still not well understood nor often incorporated into quantitative research. This is likely due to issues regarding the conceptualization and measurement of empathy as well as the lack of measures of empathy incorporated into contemporary data sets. This study discusses the importance of empathy for criminology and uses a set of research examples to exemplify the relationships between empathy and outcomes important to criminology. Empathy emerges as an important predictor of criminal behavior, support for harsh laws, and perceptions of police effectiveness. Future research should incorporate measures of empathy when seeking to understand individual feelings and behaviors as they relate to important facets of criminology and criminal justice.

Positive criminology in practice.

The discourse regarding offender rehabilitation has been criticized by various scholars who have claimed that reducing negative causes and managing risk will not automatically prompt positive human development and elements that are associated with desistance. Positive criminology is an innovative concept that challenges the common preoccupation with negative elements, by placing emphasis on human encounters and forces of inclusion that are experienced positively by target individuals and that can promote crime desistance. However, as the concept is relatively new, there are still no guiding principles for the practice of positive criminology that could direct research and the criminal justice system. This article attempts to fill that gap by providing principles that could be practiced by criminal justice personnel and examples of different interventions that reflect positive criminology. The article also provides ideological explanations for adopting the concept of positive criminology in practice.

Delincuencia organizada ambiental en México, una nueva manifestación criminal del tráfico de especies / Delinquência organizada ambiental no México, uma nova manifestação penal do tráfico de espécies / Organized environmental crime in Mexico: a new criminal manifestation of species traffic

El estudio arroja la presencia de grupos delictivos organizados en el territorio mexicano, que trafican con especies de fauna protegidas, valiéndose de las mismas rutas que utiliza el narcotráfico y, en muchas ocasiones, mediante la diversificación de actividades criminales, por lo que lo mismo trafican con personas, armas y drogas que con ejemplares de vida silvestre, y obtienen ganancias calculadas solo por debajo del tráfico ilícito de drogas. No obstante estas características, en la legislación mexicana no existe la regulación del tráfico de especies como una figura cometida por la delincuencia organizada, razón por la cual toda la gama de instrumentos excepcionales de investigación creados para investigar, perseguir y sancionar al crimen organizado no pueden emplearse para esta manifestación criminal del tráfico de ejemplares de vida silvestre. Se ha utilizado el método de análisis de contenidos referido a libros, revistas especializadas, notas periodísticas y documentos de Naciones Unidas, poniendo énfasis en los datos que arroja la comisión de delitos ambientales, mediante grupos delictivos organizados.

This study shows the existence of organized criminal groups in the Mexican territory engaged in the traffic of protected species by taking advantage of the same routes used by drug traffickers and, in many occasions, through the diversification of illegal trafficking activities whether of humans, arms, drugs, or wild animals. They usually obtain profits exceeded only by the illegal drug business. Despite these facts, no regulation exists in Mexican legislation for wildlife species trafficking seen as an offense committed by organized crime; therefore, all the range of exceptional instruments created to investigate, persecute and punish this kind of criminals cannot be used in these cases. The content analysis method referred to books, specialized journals and magazines, journalistic notes and United Nations documents have been used, with an emphasis on data produced by the environmental crime committee about the actions of organized crime groups.

O estudo produz a presença de grupos criminosos organizados em território mexicano, que traficam com espécies da fauna protegidas, usando as mesmas rotas usadas pelo tráfico de drogas e, muitas vezes, através da diversificação das atividades criminosas. Assim mesmo traficam com pessoas, armas e drogas com espécimes da vida selvagem e obtêm lucro calculado só por debaixo do tráfico ilícito de droga. No entanto essas características, na legislação mexicana não existe regulamentação do tráfego de espécies como uma figura comprometida pelo crime organizado, razão pela qual a gama de instrumentos de pesquisa excepcionais criados para pesquisa, perseguir e punir o crime organizado não pode ser usado para esta manifestação criminosa do tráfico de animais selvagens. O método de análise de conteúdo referido a livros, revistas especializadas, artigos e documentos das Nações Unidas foi utilizado. Tem ênfase em dados que produz a comissão de crimes ambientais por grupos criminosos organizados.

Molecular neuroeconomics of crime and punishment: implications for neurolaw.

Criminal behaviors have been associated with risk, time and social preferences in economics (Becker 1968; Davis 1988), criminology (Chamlin & Cochran 1997), and neurolaw (Goodenough & Tucker 2010). This study proposes a molecular neuroeconomic framework for the investigation into crime and punishment. Neuroeconomic parameters (e.g., risk-attitude, probability weighting, time discounting in intertemporal choice, loss aversion, and social discounting) are predicted to be related to criminal behavior. Neurobiological and neuroendocrinological substrates such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, cortisol (a stress hormone), sex hormones (e.g., testosterone), and oxytocin in brain regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex, the amygdala, and the cingulate may be related to the neuroeconomic parameters governing criminal behaviors. The present framework may help us develop "neurolaw" based on molecular neuroeconomics of criminal and antisocial decision-making processes.

Repeated eyewitness identification procedures: memory, decision making, and probative value.

Two experiments examined the effects of multiple identification procedures on identification responses, confidence, and similarity relationships. When the interval between first and second identification procedures was long (Experiment 1), correct and false identifications increased, but the probative value of a suspect identification changed little; consistent witnesses were more confident than inconsistent witnesses; and the similarity relationships between suspect and foils were unchanged. When the interval between first and second identification procedures was short (Experiment 2), suspect identification rates changed little, but foil identifications increased significantly; confidence for all identifications increased; consistent witnesses were more confident than inconsistent witnesses; and similarity relationships changed such that witnesses were less likely to identify the suspect as being the best match to the perpetrator.

La interpretación unitaria del artículo 34 inciso primero del Código Penal Argentino en Psiquiatría Forense / The unitary interpretation of article 34 interjection first of the Argentinean Penal Code in forensic psychiatry

En el presente ensayo se trata de oponer a la tesis que podría denominarse bipartita de la capacidad de culpabilidad penal, "comprender la criminalidad del acto o dirigir sus acciones", una tesis unitaria según la cual no es biopsicológicamente posible dirigir la conducta hacia un objeto que no se ha previamente comprendido integralmente en cuanto tal, como tampoco un completo divorcio del obrar (en el caso, fuera del señorío del sujeto agente) sobre el comprender (en el caso, completo y cabal, como expresión de máxima integración intelectiva, volitiva y afectiva del dinamismo psíquico).

The present essay is intended to oppose to the bipartite thesis of the capacity of penal culpability ("to be able to understand the criminality of the act or to be able to direct the actions"), a unitary thesis in which it seems biopsychologically impossible to direct the behaviour towards an object that hasn't been previously understood, nor a complete divorce of action from understanding (as it results from a maximum integration of the intellective, volitive and affective spheres of a dynamic psyche).

La interpretación unitaria del artículo 34 inciso primero del Código Penal Argentino en Psiquiatría Forense / The unitary interpretation of article 34 interjection first of the Argentinean Penal Code in forensic psychiatry

En el presente ensayo se trata de oponer a la tesis que podría denominarse bipartita de la capacidad de culpabilidad penal, "comprender la criminalidad del acto o dirigir sus acciones", una tesis unitaria según la cual no es biopsicológicamente posible dirigir la conducta hacia un objeto que no se ha previamente comprendido integralmente en cuanto tal, como tampoco un completo divorcio del obrar (en el caso, fuera del señorío del sujeto agente) sobre el comprender (en el caso, completo y cabal, como expresión de máxima integración intelectiva, volitiva y afectiva del dinamismo psíquico).(AU)

The present essay is intended to oppose to the bipartite thesis of the capacity of penal culpability ("to be able to understand the criminality of the act or to be able to direct the actions"), a unitary thesis in which it seems biopsychologically impossible to direct the behaviour towards an object that hasnt been previously understood, nor a complete divorce of action from understanding (as it results from a maximum integration of the intellective, volitive and affective spheres of a dynamic psyche).(AU)

Imputabilidad y La Ley Nacional de Estupefacientes Nº 2337: aspectos psicosociales que intervienen en la comprensión de la criminalidad del acto y la capacidad de dirigir las acciones / The National Narcotics Act No. 2337: psychosocial aspects involved in understanding the criminality of the act and the ability to direct the actions

El trabajo de investigación es consecuencia de analizar la importancia que plantea la problemática de la imputabilidad asociada al consumo de drogas. Se propone analizarlo desde el Derecho Penal, la Psicología y la Criminología. En el desarrollo de la investigación se consiguió esclarecer las concepciones criminológicas y psicológicas que sustentan los criterios frente a la responsabilidad penal del consumidor de drogas, posibilitando un punto de contacto a nivel teórico entre la doctrina jurídica, la Psicología y la criminología. Por otro lado, y con el estudio de campo, se pudo comprender como ciertos aspectos repercuten en la vida psíquica del consumidor de drogas, afectando la capacidad de comprensión del comportamiento y la capacidad de dirigir su acción respecto al delito de tenencia de drogas para consumo personal. Para finalizar, se destacó la necesidad de centrar el eje del debate en los aspectos educativos y de salud, que intervienen necesariamente en la comprensión de la problemática por parte de la sociedad y con ello permitir una mayor protección social en vistas a la disminución del consumo de drogas.