1.8 factors affecting criminal behaviour

Question 1

List the 5 factors that affect criminal behaviour

Answer 1

Social
Personal interest/gain
Phycological
Economic
Genetics

Question 2

Define criminology

Answer 2

Study of criminal behaviour

Question 3

Outline what physcological factors can include (3 answers)

Answer 3

Mental illness e.g. personality disorder, schizophrenia, aggression, depression, adjustment & sexual disorders
Unconscious guilt fostering criminal behaviour
Impacts of crimes committed to them (i.e. victims then exhibiting criminal behaviour)

Question 4

What impact can taking phycological factors have during trial (3 answers)

Answer 4

Reduced sentence
Alternatives to sentencing
Additional sentences (on top of jail) e.g. child paedophiles may undergo treatment on top of jail (they don’t get reduced sentences) or drug addicts may go to a rehab facility rather than get a sentence

Question 5

Define social factors

Answer 5

To do with a person’s family and relationships

Question 6

Ouline the economic factor

Answer 6

One of the most common reasons for committing a crime in NSW is for monetary (financial) purposes
People who earn less seem more inclined to criminal behaviour -> probably because it is harder to acquire essentials such as food and this is a reason people might steal, etc.
Usually crimes against property
Criminal Justice System doesn’t usually give discounts for this reason

Question 7

Define political factors

Answer 7

Any crime committed in the name of expressing ones political beliefs

Question 8

Ouline social factors

Answer 8

Social factors include things to do with a person’s family and relationships
Social groups often influence criminal behaviour e.g. friendship groups or family history of criminal behaviour
Most often offences like drug offences are initiated due to group behaviour or the influence of others

Question 9

Ouline personal interest/gain

Answer 9

Usually the main reason for criminal behaviour
Self-interest – i.e. that you get something out of committing the crime
CJS doesn’t take this into account –> although this is important to prove actus and mens rea

Question 10

List 2 reasons to commit a crime under the factor of personal interest/gain

Answer 10

Most common reasons
Revenge
Desire for money

Question 11

Outline genetic factors

Answer 11

In the past there has been the belief people have a genetic tendency (i.e. something in their DNA, blood) to criminal behaviour
Recent studies have been inconclusive

Question 12

Is it possible to have more than one factor influance a crime, if so why?

Answer 12

Yes, it is possible to have multiple factors i.e. economic and social factors could have both influenced someone to commit a crime.