Historial Approach (forensics)

Question 1

What is the atavistic form?

Answer 1

Lombroso:
- Criminals as a ‘genetic throwback’
- Criminals as biologically different to non criminals as they have a primitive subspecies called ‘homo delinquents’
- It lacks evolutionary development, and does not conform to the demands of a civilised society as they are untamed –> leading to crime.
- Crime is rooted in genetics and criminals cannot be blamed for their actions

Question 2

Lombroso’s research

Answer 2

• Sample of over 4000 Italian offenders (383 of them dead)
• Measured height, weight, span of arms, body height whilst sitting, size of arms, hands, neck, feet etc.
• Also meticulously examined facial and cranial features
• 40% had atavistic features

Question 3

What are the atavistic features Lombroso thought were characteristics of a criminal?

Answer 3

1.) Narrow sloping brow
2.) A strong prominent jaw
3.) High cheekbones
4.) Asymmetrical face
5.) Dark skin
6.) Extra toes, nipples and/or fingers.
7.) Insensitive to pain therefore they are more likely to have tattoos.

Question 4

What are the atavistic features subtypes identified by Lombroso?

Answer 4

Murderers:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Curly hair
- Long ears

Sexual Deviants:
- Glinting eyes
- Swollen fleshy lips
- Projecting ears

Question 5

Strengths of the historical approach

Answer 5

+ Lombroso is the father of modern criminology: first person to study crime and criminals scientifically. Led to the beginning of offender profiling.

Question 6

Limitations of the historical approach

Answer 6

• Lombroso’s research had no control group.
• Discriminatory theory: A lot of features Lombroso identified as atavistic are most likely to be found amongst Africans. This meant that he was suggesting they were most likely to be offenders –> eugenic attitudes
• Contradictory evidence: Goring compared 3000 offenders to 3000 non offenders. No evidence of distinct features.