Criminology

James Brown

Criminology 200

Professor Jonathan Christensen

February 24, 2012

Outline

I. Introduction

A. Development of trait theory

1. Contemporary Trait Theory

2. Biological Trait Theory

3. Biochemical conditions and crime

4. Neurophysiologic conditions and crime

5. Genetics and crime

6. Evolutionary views of crime

B. Thesis

II. Body

A. Explain the trait theory association with crime.

1. Discuss biochemical conditions that have been associated with crime.

2. Discuss link between aggression and physiological makeup of criminals.

3. Link genetics to crime.

B. Describe the Social Structure and public policy.

1. Define the association between social structure and crime.

2. Discuss the elements of cultural deviance.

3. Examine Shaw and McKay.

C. Organized Crime in America.

1. Organized Gang History.

2. Demographics and behavior

D. Urban Crime, Race and the Criminal Justice System

1. Crime in Urban communities.

2. Describe the effects of government and social disorganization

III. Conclusion

Introduction

A theory is defined as a scientific suggestion based on strong evidence and logical reasoning. In understanding the science of crime, I have to determine if there is an identifiable link between genetic identity and the groups of individual committing crime by contrasting Trait Theory and Social Structure Trait Theory. I will attempt to identify the differences and similarities between the two as well as the effects on the communities’ disproportionately affected.

A. Development of trait theory

Cesare Lombroso an Italian psychiatrist and military medical doctor developed trait theories about the criminals and the beginnings of scientific methods to study criminology. His theories suffered extreme criticism and are discounted by today’s criminologists as invalid and most have changed drastically over his long professional...