Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A: Recent studies on 'warrier genes' clearly indicate that genes decide criminal behavior in individuals, implying that people inherit criminal traits.
Reason R: According to Expiatory Theory, if a person who has committed the crime repents his/her action or expiates, he or she should not be punished but forgiven. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is correct but R is not correct.
• D. A is not correct but R is correct.

Hint:

In social science questions, statements using extreme words like “always,” “clearly,” or “completely” are often incorrect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:

• The biological school of criminology explores genetic predispositions to crime, such as the MAOA (warrior) gene.
• Theories of punishment (Expiatory/Expiratory theory) deal with the moral and philosophical justification for how society treats offenders.

Step 1: Evaluate Assertion A
Studies on behavioral genetics, particularly the MAOA gene (warrior gene), suggest that certain genetic variations can predispose individuals to aggressive or criminal behavior. This supports the idea of inherited criminal traits in biological criminology. Assertion A is correct.

Step 2: Evaluate Reason R
Expiatory (or Expiratory) theory is a theory of punishment. It suggests that if an offender truly repents and suffers internal guilt (expiation), the "sin" is washed away and further punishment by the state is unnecessary. Reason R is correct.

Step 3: Check the relationship between A and R
Assertion A belongs to the Biological School of criminology (why crime happens). Reason R belongs to the Theories of Punishment (how to respond to crime). The two are completely unrelated in logic; the theory of repentance does not explain why genes cause behavior.

Step 4: Conclusion
Both statements are independently true, but R does not explain A. Therefore, option (B) is the most appropriate.