Part 1 presents three articles which underscore the theme of sociobiology and the specific issue it raises: genetic determinism versus free will. The readings do not verify either the validity or falsity of sociobiology but set the stage for the subsequent discussions. Part 2 addresses the major theories supporting biological explanations for criminal behavior and some serious challenges to these theories. The theories are limited to those biological characteristics which permit nonsocial and nonbehavioral measures, including genetic influences, brain disease, menstrual cycles, and body types. Part 3 considers the ethical, legal, and political implications of the biological control of crime, assuming that policymakers should give credence to biological theories of crime causation. Some of the issues confronted are (1) physical interventions to alter behavior in a punitive environment, (2) biological therapies, (3) psychosurgery, and (4) reproductive controls. Chapter notes, approximately 150 selected readings, and a subject index are provided.