Crime + the Law: Biological Causes of Crime

Question 1

hormones

Answer 1

• men have higher levels of the hormone testosterone than women which often make them more aggressive and prone to higher risk taking, this aggression or risk taking could make them more likely to take part in violent crimes
• for example, in 2020 around 90% of all prisoners in a Scottish prison were male compared to 10% who were female

Question 2

mental disorders

Answer 2

• someone with the mental disorder of psychopathy are people who often lack remorse or feel little empathy for others, this means they are less likely to feel guilt or regret for committing crimes so may be more likely to do so
• for example, Aaron Campbell who killed 6 year old Alesha MacPhail has been labelled a psychopath

Question 3

genetic inheritance

Answer 3

• it may be in some peoples nature as to why they commit crimes, this could be because the genes that make up their biology make them more likely to be an offender
• for example, people with the warrior gene are 13 times more likely to commit a violent crime