Age

Question 1

Kercher (1987)

Answer 1

The evidence showing an inverse relationship between age and crime is consistent with stereotypes of the elderly. Due to natural physical decline common in old age, one could expect that certain law violations that require greater physical strength are less frequent among old people.

Question 2

Ministry of Justice (2010)

Answer 2

the peak age for offending was 17

Question 3

Hirschi and Gottfredson

Answer 3

This is a biological phenomenon. Crimes require physical strength and energy, both of which recedes with age.

Question 4

Walsh (2009)

Answer 4

draws upon physiological changes that accompany ageing. For example, new evidence on brain maturation suggests that elements of cognition that are useful for impulse control become more fully developed during the individual’s mid-20s. This research aligns nicely with the age–crime patterns described above.

Question 5

Quetelet (1984)

Answer 5

It is, in fact, with age that man’s physical strength and passions develop and that their energy afterwards diminishes

Question 6

Steffesmeier (1995)

Answer 6

points out that, for some specific illegal activities, the participation of old people is more salient (gambling)

Question 7

Graham and Bowling (1995)

Answer 7

found that the highest offending rates for physical violent crime was 16. This suggests that physical decline is a major factor in the age crime curve.

Question 8

Fitzgerald (2003)

Answer 8

Much of the crime committed by young people is visible, so car theft and vandalism are seen and reported

Question 9

Marsh (1986)

Answer 9

Young people tend to live in urban areas so they have more opportunities to commit crime

Question 10

Newburn (2011)

Answer 10

Social stereotypes suggest that young people commit crime, so they are more carefully monitored by the police

Question 11

Howard League for Penal Reform 2015

Answer 11

Young people cannot afford expensive legal fees and are vulnerable to conviction