International Journal of Psychology Research ISSN: 1932-6092 Volume 7, Number 5/6 © Nova Science Publishers, Inc. CANDIDATE GENES FOR CRIMINAL AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR ** Dylan B. Jackson * and Kevin M. Beaver Florida State University College of Criminology and Criminal Justice Hecht House; Tallahassee, FL, USA ABSTRACT A large body of behavioral genetic research has revealed that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of antisocial behaviors in general and criminal behaviors in particular. Even so, the specific genes that are associated specifically with criminal and delinquent behaviors have remained somewhat elusive. The goal of the current chapter is to provide a general list of some candidate genes that could potentially influence crime and delinquency. In general, the list contains genes implicated in neurotransmission and hormone production. Many of these genes have been associated with abilities such as interpreting social cues, bonding, and verbal skills, as well as personality characteristics such as aggressiveness and impulsivity. Directions for future research are discussed. INTRODUCTION Behavioral genetic research seeks to estimate the relative contribution of genetic and non-genetic factors on variance in human traits and behaviors. The * E-mail: dbj09@fsu.edu; phone: 626.825.4856. **A version of this chapter also appears in Psychology of Adolescence: New Research, edited by Latif Bariş and Özertan Uzun, published by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. It was submitted for appropriate modifications in an effort to encourage wider dissemination of research.