Eugenics, the idea of improving the biological quality of the human race, has been
interrelated with concepts of crime since at least Classical times. The eugenics doctrine
has fueled mental institutions and state-owned penitentiaries, as well as manifested itself
in popular culture and scientific studies. With a focus on post-1883 American history, I
examine the evolving relationship between eugenics and crime through a historical lens
and into the modern day to present a stance on the an age-old question: is crime
hereditary? I follow the separate but concurrent development of eugenics and the idea of
the biological criminal, then I examine the distinct concept of a born criminal through
eugenic family studies, court cases, and prison eugenics. Although eugenic criminology
has lost momentum, it continues to influence modern thought, particularly in legal
proceedings and the use of biological technologies. I identify a return to the biological
basis of crime throughout history, and I assert that this tendency will continue with
American society accepting increasingly scientific explanations for crime. Thus, based on
societal definitions of criminal behavior, crime will inherently be considered hereditary. I
argue that the fluid role biology plays is largely based on social climate, and therefore
biology does not take precedence over socio-environmental factors-- a mistake that has
been committed in the past. With advancing biological and reproductive technologies,
novel issues surrounding the biological basis of crime arise: will this result in
interventionalist policies before an "at-risk" individual commits a crime? How will this
impact our criminal justice system? If criminality carries a biological basis, these issues
must be addressed promptly.Polymathic Scholar
