Criminal Theory

I have been working on a paper for school about Crim Theory, and I have to admit that reading all these theories by all these "great thinkers" is really making me doubt whether man can outlive the cockroach. There is so much tripe in some of these theories that I can't believe we fell for it!

Take Physiognomy Theory for example. This crime control theory was in practice during the Middle Ages (not the greatest of times, true) and basically stated that if two people were suspected of committing the same crime, the UGLIER of the two was the more likely suspect. WTF?

Take that kind of crap and then consider this one, Body Type Theory. According to the studies and such that was conducted, it was shown that people with an athletic or muscular build were predisposed to criminal behavior, while those that were fat or skinny were not. So that means today's "most appealing body structure type" is also the most likely to committ crimes.

I have to read all these theories and pick one that I most readily agree with! What the hell is a guy supposed to do? I think I will create a new theory. I'll call it the base wants and desires theory. basically, if a human doesn't have his or her base wants or desires handed to him or her, they are susceptible to criminal behavior. What the hell, sounds as plausible as everything else I read.

I agree that the criminal theories that focus on body morphology, phrenology, etc. seem stupid. But I think there is something to the psychological theories of criminal behavior, specifically the sociopath as criminal. I believe that when someone lacks the capacity for compassion and empathy, they are much more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Your theory would never be accepted Ickey. It makes sense. Today the inmates are running the asylum, on all levels I think...

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Originally posted by Dulcinea:
I agree that the criminal theories that focus on body morphology, phrenology, etc. seem stupid. But I think there is something to the psychological theories of criminal behavior, specifically the sociopath as criminal. I believe that when someone lacks the capacity for compassion and empathy, they are much more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Oh I agree with the sociopath specific, but we are still studying the "blanket theories", those that are trying to encapsulate EVERY person at the same time. I think the class is intended, on a subconcious level, to imprint the idea that there is no way to know who is going to do what. While the supposed lesson is to realize and understand the ideas that are adhered to while trying to develop policy and law, we are learning that there is no plausible way of knowing anything until you are faced with it.

GL - haven't you always said the same thing to me in the past? Nobody will go for it because it makes too much sense?

Why yes I have. Any discussion about government ineptitude and bureaucratic bumbling will usually generate the same response from me. If it makes sense, they won't go for it...

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ February 15, 2006 04:24 PM: Message edited by: G L G ]</font>