Early Theories of Criminology

A school of thought emphasizing reason, logic, and free will in explaining criminal behavior. It rejects the idea of pre-determined factors like biology or social environment.

A key concept in the Classical School, it refers to the idea that potential criminals can be prevented from committing crimes by the fear of punishment.

The Classical School advocated for: public trials, accessible laws, separation of lawmaking and judging powers, and fixed penalties for crimes.

A core principle of the Classical School stating that everyone should be treated equally under the law regardless of their status.

The theory faced criticism for failing to account for individual circumstances and for its rigid approach to punishments, potentially disregarding extenuating factors.

A school of thought that sought to make the justice system more flexible and individualized, considering factors like offender characteristics, mitigating circumstances, and motive.

This school emerged in the 19th century, using statistics to explore social factors that contribute to crime.

The belief that crime is caused by natural factors that can be discovered through scientific observation.

The Statistical School emphasized that social conditions, such as inequality, poverty, and lack of opportunity, influence crime rates.

Cesare Lombroso, a key figure in the Positive School, argued that criminals have biological traits that distinguish them from non-criminals.

The Positive School applied the scientific method, using controlled observation to compare criminals and non-criminals.

The Positive School believed that crime is caused by biological factors that are beyond the individual's control.

Explanations of crime were heavily influenced by religious beliefs and superstition, often attributing unusual phenomena to evil spirits or magic. People believed that any abnormal behavior, including criminal acts, was a consequence of these spirits.

Prior to the 18th century, people believed that evil spirits or magic were responsible for criminal behavior. The presence of these spirits was thought to cause individuals to commit crimes.

This theory suggests that humans have free will and can choose their actions. However, the Devil tempts people, and those who succumb to temptation are considered weak and morally deficient.

This theory proposes that criminals are possessed by evil spirits. Their actions are not their own, but rather are controlled by the possessing spirits.

The Judeo-Christian Temptation Theory emphasizes the concept of free will. Individuals have the choice to resist the Devil's temptations. However, those who choose to succumb are seen as morally weak.

The Temptation Theory views individuals who commit sins as morally weak. Their susceptibility to temptation indicates a lack of strength and moral character.

The Possession Theory directly attributes criminal behavior to the influence of evil spirits. It is not the individual's fault, but rather the result of a supernatural force.

The Possession Theory removes individual agency from criminal behavior. Individuals are seen as victims of possession, and their actions are not their own.

Lombroso believed punishment should fit the criminal, not the crime. He advocated for different treatment based on the individual criminal's characteristics.

The Positive School contributed concepts like probation, parole, indeterminate sentencing, and considering mitigating circumstances in sentencing.

Goring found no evidence of a distinct physical criminal type but observed lower intelligence in criminals, suggesting that mental inferiority might be genetically linked to criminality.

Goring's research was limited by studying only criminals in prison, which could have biased his findings towards individuals with more severe offenses.

Hooton argued that criminals were biologically and socially inferior, finding specific physical characteristics differentiating them from non-criminals.

Based on his findings, Hooton advocated for segregating individuals deemed 'unfit' due to their presumed biological and moral inferiority, contributing to the eugenics movement.

Sheldon's theory claimed that body type (somatotype) was linked to personality traits and criminality. He proposed that certain body types were associated with particular behavioral tendencies.

Many of these early theories were criticized for their flawed methodology, leading to biased data and false conclusions about the biological basis of crime.

A theory that links body types to personality and temperament. Proposed by William Sheldon, it categorized individuals into three groups: endomorphs (round, fat), ectomorphs (tall, thin), and mesomorphs (muscular).

According to Somatotyping, an endomorph is a person with a round, fat body type. They are often described as having easygoing personalities.

According to Somatotyping, an ectomorph a person with a tall and lean body type. They are often described as introverted and anxious, with nervous dispositions.

According to Somatotyping, a mesomorph is a person with a well-built, muscular body type. They are often described as aggressive, quick to act, and insensitive to pain.

Goddard believed that feeble-mindedness (low intelligence) was inherited and directly linked to criminal behavior. He argued that most prisoners had an IQ equivalent to a 12-year-old.

A movement that advocated for controlled breeding and sterilization of individuals deemed unfit, including those with intellectual disabilities. The movement was based on the belief that genetics played a significant role in criminality and intelligence.

These theories have faced criticism for lack of scientific rigor and potential for abuse. They can lead to discrimination and prejudice against certain groups, while ignoring social factors contributing to criminal activity.

Social factors, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, inequality, and social disorganization, are important in understanding crime and cannot be ignored, as they can influence individual behavior.

A theory in criminology suggesting that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks, meaning they are biologically less evolved than non-criminals.

Physical features that Lombroso believed distinguished criminals from non-criminals. These included things like sloping foreheads, thick lips, and large ears.

A category of criminals in Lombroso's theory who committed crimes for 'noble' motives, such as love or politics.

Lombroso's research suffered from several methodological flaws, such as unsystematic selection of participants and inaccurate measurements. These flaws undermined the validity of his theories.

A category in Lombroso's theory that included criminals who didn't fit into other categories, suggesting they were less clearly 'atavistic.'

Lombroso's theories heavily influenced criminal justice systems, but they were later discredited because his scientific method was flawed.

Testing a theory with real-world data and observations, rather than just relying on assumptions.

Lombroso's theory focused on individual biological differences that caused crime, ignoring social factors like poverty or inequality.