The Biological Theories Of Crime Essay - 1218 Words

Biological theories of crime attempt to explain behaviors through examination of individual characteristics. Cesare Lombroso was one of the founding fathers of the biological theory of criminology, stating that criminals are biologically different from non-criminals. The biological perspective explained that crime was a characteristic of human nature. Through Lombroso’s research observing physical characteristics in Italian prisoners and soldiers, he concluded that criminals were physically different. He also linked facial characteristics with criminality. Modern biological theorists, for the most part, reject Lombroso’s concept of â€Å"born criminals†. Current explanations are now more focused in brain functioning, genetics, and neurology. The emphasis in biological theory is seen through constitutional theories that explain criminality by reference to criminals body type and external physical characteristics. One assumptions of the constitutional theory is, di fferent physiologic types tend to be associated with different corresponding psychologic types and that this association has a genetic basis. A different type of physique meant a different type of deviancy. Constitutional theories are associated with Ernst Kretschmer William H. Sheldon. These theorist believed a person s physical build and appearance had a connection in their likelihood to commit a crime. Thus the basic determinants of human behavior are constitutionally or genetically based. Lombroso s approach mayShow MoreRelatedThe Biological Theory Of Crime2339 Words   |  10 Pages‘While theories which locate the causes of crime in biological differences might provide useful explanations for the behaviour of a minority of offenders, they are very limited as general explanations of criminality’. Discuss. 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