UNIT 3: CRIMINOLOGY

AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURES

DOCUMENTARY: THE MIND OF RAMPAGE KILLERS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGo

5H9Mp5aA

HOMEWORK: “I am Adam Lanza’s Mother” by Liza Long

CRIMINOLOGY What is criminology?

Criminology refers to the study of the nature, causes, and means of dealing with crime

CLASSICAL CRIMINOLOGY Classical theories on criminology came

out of the chaos of justice in the 18th and early 19th centuries

Some key thinkers:

Cesare Beccaria Jeremy Bentham

CESARE BECCARIA (1738-1794)

Famous for writing On Crimes and PunishmentHumans are driven by self-interest, but are rational in their decisionsGovernment should act on behalf of all

citizensCitizens are prepared to give up some

freedoms in exchange for protectionExistence of law should act as sufficient

deterrentPunishment should be proportionately

greater than enjoyment received by disobeying

JEREMY BENTHAM (1748-1832) Based his view on theory of

utilitarianismLaw should ensure the greatest good for the

greatest number of peopleSocial contract between government and

people, each with clear responsibilities Government to make clear what was illegal and what punishment would arise Citizens to follow laws as created

WHO LOOKS LIKE A CRIMINAL?

1. POSITIVIST CRIMINOLOGY Began in late 19th century Focused on biological and psychological

factors to explain criminal behaviour Based on the idea that criminals are

born, not madenature trumps nurture

Generally discredited today

POSITIVIST CRIMINOLOGY Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909)

Studied cadavers of criminalsArgued that criminals had distinct physical

features

XYY TheoryChromosomal abnormalities may explain

criminal behaviourDebunked when researchers proved idea

incorrect

concentrated on external physical and environmental factors as major contributors to criminal behaviour

Theory of Anomie Proposed by Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)Argued that as society moved from rural to

urban, traditional values and bonds that regulated behaviour were weakened

People would turn to crime living in a big city, no longer restrained by norms of societyCalled this state of isolation “anomie”

2. SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

Ecological SchoolArgued that criminal

behaviour was encouraged or fostered in certain environments

Communities that suffered from high rates of poverty and social disintegration were more likely to condone criminal activity than affluent areas

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

Consensus Theory Consensus theorists

assume there is a universal definition of right and wrong and that criminal law reflects this consensus

Argue that criminal laws prohibit behaviours that society agrees are harmful

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF CRIMINAL DEVIANCE

Argues that people commit crimes when they believe they cannot achieve their desires and goals through legitimate means.

The stress of goals of acquiring wealth (success and power), and the means to achieve these goals (education, economic resources) are denied to the economically disadvantaged

SOCIOLOGY- STRAIN THEORY

Suggests the key influences leading to criminal behaviour are found in upbringing, peer groups, and role models

SOCIOLOGY- SOCIALIZATION

BIOLOGICAL THEORIES

Argues that some human traits such as intelligence, personality, chemical and genetic makeup may predispose people to engage in criminal behaviour

Research suggests that the following can cause a person to become a criminal Poor diet (“Twinkie Defense”) Influence of hormones (androgens) Exposure to drugs/alcohol in the

womb

BIOLOGICAL TRAIT THEORY

Focus on the study of brain activity and how neurological dysfunctions are connected with criminal activity

NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL THEORY