Genetics, biochemistry and culture influences on criminal behavior should not be used to decide guilt or innocence of the accused; nor should these factors negate appropriate punishment for crime. However, these considerations may be important in preventing criminal behavior. It is at the early stages of delinquency that medical, psychological and social intervention may be beneficial. The direct link between self-esteem and body chemistry suggests that violence prevention approaches, particularly with juveniles, should include nutritionally balanced meals that bring body chemistry back into balance, thereby reducing deviant behavior. Poor nutrition in certain people causes mental "brown outs in which primeval urges go unchecked." Nutritional deficits and neurochemical changes have also been linked to alcoholism and drug use by juveniles, another source of deviant behavior. Further investigation into genetic, biochemical and nutritional factors may disclose approaches to prevention and correction of criminal behavior. Bibliography