Theories of Crime -BIOLOGICAL Flashcards
what is a theory
a systematic way of making sense of some phenomenon, enabling us to interpret, reconstruct, explain and predict
why do people commit crime ?
is it because of the individual or is it because of society
there are many theories to explain criminals and why they offend
LOMBROSO (1876)
Lombroso developed the theory about “born criminal”
biological traits of born criminal are:
- strange eyes
- too big or too small ears
- abnormal teeth
- extended jaw bone
- wrinkled skin
- dark skin
- nose curled up
according to Lombroso, people who have 5 or more biological traits are born criminals.
besides biological traits, Lombroso introduces some other traits of born criminal:
- hypertensitivity on the pain and touch
- use of special criminal slang
- grotesque expression of thoughts
- tattoos
- unemployment
Lombroso later changes the theory of born criminals and develops a new theory (3 CATEGORIES)
- born criminals-30% of all criminals
- abnormal criminals (idiots, imbeciles, paranoias, alcoholics and hysterics)
- occasional criminals( criminaloids, pseudo criminals, criminals out of habit)
CRIMINALOIDS
had difficulties during their childhood and can occasionally behave delinquently
PSEUDO CRIMINALS
are insane persons and those who committed crime in self defense
HABITUAL CRIMINALS
had a poor education during their childhood or have been in social interaction with criminals
BIOLOGICAL-BORN NOT MADE
Genes XXY—
—40% of sons who had criminals as fathers followed in their footsteps
—monozygotic twins more likely to carry out criminal acts rather than dizygotic
—some link adoptees and natural parents
SEROTONIN
maintains your mood balance
ENZYMES
higher levels of aggression
MILLER (1999)
there was a greater rate in offender groups when the offenders had encountered a head injury
it was a small but consistent increase
