Historical Approach Flashcards
Who investigated the historical approach?
Lombrosso
What did Lombrosso suggest about criminals?
criminals are genetic throwbacks, primitive species who were biologically different from non criminals
How did Lombrosso describe offenders biologically?
he said they lack evolutionary development, if they are savage and untamed they will turn to crime. (‘natural tendency’) rooted in genes
What is the atavistic form?
specific characteristics eg. strong jaw, high cheekbones, asymmetric face, dark skin, unemployed, tatoos and use of slang
Describe the specific characteristics of murderers
bloodshot eyes, curly hair, long ears
Describe the specific characteristics of sexual offenders
gunning eyes, swollen lips, projecting ears
Describe the specific characteristics of fraudsters
reedy lips
How did Lombrosso research the atavistic form?
examined facial facial and coronial features of hundreds of Italian convicts, living and dead.
From Lombrossos research what was his findings?
concluded there was an atavistic form, 40% of crimes committed by atavistic characteristics.
Describe the support for Lombroso’s research. (AO3)
father of modern criminology. shifted emphasis of crime research from moralistic to scientific. described how particular people commit crimes and contributed to scientific criminology
Describe the counter argument for Lombroso’s legacy (AO3)
Matt Delisi:
questioned if Lombroso legacy all positive. racist undertones in the atavistic form.
curly hair and dark skin more likely found on Africans. highly subjective
describe how Lombroso’s research had poor control (AO3)
failed to control variables. did not compare offender sample to non offender control group. this would have controlled confounding variables explaining why higher crime in certain groups.
doesn’t meet modern day scientific standards.
