In 2006, Bradley Waldroup shot his wife’s friend and brutally attacked his wife. During his trial, forensic psychiatrists presented evidence that Waldroup possessed the "warrior gene" (MAOA-L variant), which is associated with violent behavior when combined with a history of severe childhood abuse.
The defense argued that Waldroup’s genetic makeup and traumatic upbringing meant he had significantly impaired control over his impulses, making him biologically and environmentally predisposed to violence. The prosecution countered that millions of people carry genetic predispositions or suffer childhood trauma without committing violent crimes; therefore, Waldroup made a conscious, deliberate choice to attack his victims and must be held fully responsible.
The jury ultimately rejected the first-degree murder charge, opting for voluntary manslaughter instead, indicating they accepted his capacity for choice was compromised but not entirely absent.
Describe the free will/determinism debate and explain how it can be applied to this scenario.