Discussion #2

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Explanations of Crime and Criminal Behavior   

You may find it interesting that the arguments as to why a person becomes a criminal are a bit like why some become leaders. At the center of the argument or more aptly called debate regarding leadership is the question of whether leadership is a result of nature or nurture. Those who believe it is nurture say leaders are made, while those who believe it is nature say leaders are born. The same two points are often debated by criminologists about criminals. No one knows for sure why certain people seem more prone than others to commit crimes. However, there are several theories as to why.

 

Scholarly debate about theories is good, as such discussions often spark further study. This is also likely why there are so many theories and perspectives to consider regarding criminology. Scholarly theories are the “nuts-and-bolts” of criminology and are applied toward gaining a better understanding of the characteristics of those who choose a life of crime. However, remember, a theory is not a fact, but conclusions and thoughts based on observation of occurrences. The most basic definition of a theory is an educated guess – a guess based on facts and observation.

 

The importance of predicting future criminal behavior has an impact on society. The average citizen seldom, if ever, considers this, nor do they consider the economic costs attached to it. as Andrews and Bonta (2003) pointed out. 

 

From it stems community safety, prevention, treatment, ethics, and justice.  Predicting who will re-offend guides police officers, judges, prison officials, and parole boards in their decision-making. Knowing that poor parenting practices lead to future delinquency directs community agencies in providing parenting programs to families. Ethically, being able or unable to predict an individual’s future criminal behavior may weigh heavily upon the use of dispositions such as imprisonment and parole (p. 225).

 

References

 

Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2003). The psychology of criminal conduct. Anderson Publishing.