Biological Theory Flashcards
What does Lombrosos theory state?
States that born criminals can be identified by their physical features.
States that criminal species is between modern and primitive humans
What are some physical features that Lombroso mentions?
Large ears
Pronounced jaw
What is criminal atavism?
This is where criminals have less developed primitive features.
Who influenced Lombroso?
Darwin
What does sheldons theory state?
Sheldons theory states that criminal behaviour is linked to body types
What are the 3 body types and their characteristics?
Endomorphic (fat) - sociable and relaxed
Ectomorph (skinny) - introverted and restrained
Mesomorph (muscular) aggressive and adventurous
What did sheldons experiment show?
Showed that delinquents were mostly mesomorphic
Who influenced sheldon?
His father who breed poultry and dogs
What does the XYY theory state?
(Jacob)
States that crime might be based on abnormalities with chromosomes
What is a type of genetic abnormality that links to criminality?
An extra y chromosome linked to criminality as they tend to be more aggressive
What did jacobs experiment show?
Showed that XYY men are over presented in prison.
15 in 1000 prisoners
1 in 1000 people
Who is an example of someone with an extra Y chromosome?
Serial killer John Wayne Gacy
