SELF-TESTSELF-TEST

Why do people commit crime? Why do people commit crime? Brainstorm reasons for criminal behavior Brainstorm reasons for criminal behavior

based on these three catagories:based on these three catagories: Social Social

EconomicEconomic BiologicalBiological

Nature vs. Nurture

debate

Well you look like a duck, quack like a duck but….Who brought you up?

What do people become criminals?What do people become criminals?NATURE vs. NURTURENATURE vs. NURTURE

NATURENATURE: Criminals are born, not made : Criminals are born, not made Biological TheoriesBiological Theories – Genetic or Physiological – Genetic or Physiological

make-up leads to criminal behavior. make-up leads to criminal behavior. Personality TheoriesPersonality Theories – certain types inclined to – certain types inclined to

crimecrime

NURTURENURTURE: Social Learning: Social Learning – learned – learned criminal ways: criminal ways: Cultural Transmission TheoryCultural Transmission Theory

NATURE THEORIES

About what makes someone a Criminal

Old School nature theories Old School nature theories about criminals:about criminals:

Cesare Lombroso Cesare Lombroso (1876) criminals are (1876) criminals are a a

separate speciesseparate species. . Theory: shape of the Theory: shape of the

head and face head and face determined the "born determined the "born

criminal". criminal".

CRIMINAL HEADS ACCORDING TO

LOMBROSO

CRIMINAL BODY

TYPE???

ACTUAL CRIMINALS

SMALLISH HEADS?

Another Old School NATURE Theory: Another Old School NATURE Theory:

William SheldonWilliam Sheldon Body types Body types determined criminality.determined criminality.

1.1. EndomorphicEndomorphic (fat ) sociable and relaxed. (fat ) sociable and relaxed.

2.2. EctomorphicEctomorphic (thin) are introverted and restrained. LEAST (thin) are introverted and restrained. LEAST LIKELY TO BE CRIMINALS LIKELY TO BE CRIMINALS

3.3. Mesomorphic = CRIMINAL Mesomorphic = CRIMINAL (muscular and aggressive) . (muscular and aggressive) .

IDENTIFY SOME FLAWS IN THIS THEORY?IDENTIFY SOME FLAWS IN THIS THEORY?

Neurophysiological causesNeurophysiological causes PET (brain) scans done on impulsive killers showed: PET (brain) scans done on impulsive killers showed:

Damage in the pre-frontal cortex, which Damage in the pre-frontal cortex, which controls impulsive behavior. controls impulsive behavior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtOQnM3LQkE Charles Whitman sniper Charles Whitman sniper

NATURE: MODERN THEORIESNATURE: MODERN THEORIES

NeurochemicalNeurochemical

The brain’s chemistry can be influenced by diet, food The brain’s chemistry can be influenced by diet, food additives, or pollution. additives, or pollution.

The The TWINKIE DEFENSETWINKIE DEFENSE: A psychiatrist claimed that a : A psychiatrist claimed that a poor diet could intensify mood swings as part of poor diet could intensify mood swings as part of “diminished mental capacity”.“diminished mental capacity”.

NeurochemicalNeurochemical STEROIDS? Can the STEROIDS? Can the

abuse of steroids, which abuse of steroids, which increase testosterone increase testosterone levels, can cause people levels, can cause people to become extremely to become extremely violent? ("roid rage").violent? ("roid rage").

NO direct link between NO direct link between steroids and violence has steroids and violence has not been made.not been made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN7rf4Mm1QA

Twin studies: Genetic influence Twin studies: Genetic influence on crime on crime

IDENTICAL TWINS (same genes and gender) that have been IDENTICAL TWINS (same genes and gender) that have been separated at birth and brought up separately have been studiedseparated at birth and brought up separately have been studied

The degree of similarity between two twins is known as the The degree of similarity between two twins is known as the concordance rateconcordance rate. .

This rate was compared with FRATERNAL twins who are This rate was compared with FRATERNAL twins who are brought up separatelybrought up separately

Concordance rate for IDENTICAL Concordance rate for IDENTICAL twins: 55% twins: 55%

FRATERNAL twins: 17% FRATERNAL twins: 17%

Psychopaths and Sociopaths SIMILARITIES: Both are dangerous, impulsive,

and criminally minded Both have definable mental disorders

PRIMARY DIFFERENCE: Generally Speaking

•PSYCHOPATHS ARE BORN (NATURE)

•SOCIOPATHS ARE MADE (NURTURE)

Sociopaths (NURTURE): Sociopaths (NURTURE): Are capable of EMPATHY and can form meaningful personal relationships Are capable of EMPATHY and can form meaningful personal relationships Common sociological factors such as Common sociological factors such as

• Abused as children, Abused as children, • running with the wrong crowd, running with the wrong crowd, • PovertyPoverty• Parents are criminals / neglectfulParents are criminals / neglectful

Personal Characteristics:Personal Characteristics: Easy to spotEasy to spot: socially inadequate, agitated, don’t fit in, spontaneous ill-: socially inadequate, agitated, don’t fit in, spontaneous ill-

thought-out crimesthought-out crimes

Psychopaths (NATURE)Psychopaths show some of these characteristics:Psychopaths show some of these characteristics:

•More organized in crimesMore organized in crimes•Less easily recognized – appear “normal”Less easily recognized – appear “normal”•Cunning / ability to deceive / manipulativeCunning / ability to deceive / manipulative•Superficially charmingSuperficially charming•Lack of EMPATHYLack of EMPATHY•Lack of REMORSE / SHAMELack of REMORSE / SHAME•Takes pleasure in the suffering of others Takes pleasure in the suffering of others (including family)(including family)•Flat affect (do not display emotion / fake Flat affect (do not display emotion / fake emotion)emotion)

•Extreme Narcissism Extreme Narcissism

Mental Disorders related to Psychopathy Mental Disorders related to Psychopathy (and to a lesser degree SOCIOPATHS)(and to a lesser degree SOCIOPATHS)

1. CONDUCT DISORDER 1. CONDUCT DISORDER (diagnosed before age 15)(diagnosed before age 15)

Criteria:Criteria: lack of adherence to social norms (bullies, lack of adherence to social norms (bullies,

threatens, fights). threatens, fights). Physically cruel to othersPhysically cruel to others Animal CrueltyAnimal Cruelty Has forced someone into sexual activityHas forced someone into sexual activity Setting fires to cause harm and damageSetting fires to cause harm and damage Lies, cheats, stealsLies, cheats, steals

2. ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDERDiagnosed over age18; frequent diagnosis of serial killers, rapists, thrill

killersCRITERIA:

•Violates norms (repeatedly arrested) •Lies, deceives for profit or pleasure•Impulsivity•Irritability and aggressiveness•Reckless disregard for safety of self or others•Irresponsibility (work, repayment of debts)•lack of remorse, indifferent to the suffering of others

Self-Test

What is the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath?

What diagnosis must have been made to be labeled Antisocial Personality Disorder?

What is the difference between a ORGANIZED and DISORGANIZED serial killer?

Serial KillersSerial Killers

Murder three or more victims, but Murder three or more victims, but each is killed on separate each is killed on separate occasions occasions usually select their victimsusually select their victims cooling off periods between cooling off periods between

murdersmurders plan their crimes carefullyplan their crimes carefully

Serial KillersSerial KillersMost serial killers will fall into a Most serial killers will fall into a

pattern: modus operandi (method), pattern: modus operandi (method), location, victim type, motive, etc. location, victim type, motive, etc.

The The patternspatterns of activities often allow of activities often allow police to apprehend the killer.police to apprehend the killer.

Serial killers are often described as Serial killers are often described as ‘normal’, ‘very chatty’ and ‘a good ‘normal’, ‘very chatty’ and ‘a good neighbor’. neighbor’.

Serial KillersSerial Killers

Typical serial Killers are: Typical serial Killers are: Predominantly malePredominantly maleWhiteWhiteWithin their twenties or thirtiesWithin their twenties or thirtiesMiddle classMiddle classKill within their ethnic groupKill within their ethnic group

Types of serial killers (patterns)Types of serial killers (patterns)OrganizedOrganized

CharacteristicsCharacteristics: : Socially competent (may lead a “normal” life)Socially competent (may lead a “normal” life) IntelligentIntelligent PlannerPlanner Generally targets strangersGenerally targets strangers Uses restraintsUses restraints Has sex with their victimsHas sex with their victims Follows their crimes in the mediaFollows their crimes in the media Returns to scene Returns to scene

Very difficult to catchVery difficult to catch

Types of serial killers (patterns)Types of serial killers (patterns)DisorganizedDisorganized

Characteristics: Characteristics: Socially immatureSocially immature May know victimsMay know victims Kills spontaneouslyKills spontaneously Often sexually inhibitedOften sexually inhibited Harsh childhood discipline. Harsh childhood discipline. Lives aloneLives alone Sloppy crime scene / evidence presentSloppy crime scene / evidence present Shows little interest in the mediaShows little interest in the media

Easier to catch than the organized killerEasier to catch than the organized killer

Women who commit CrimeWomen who commit Crime•Men commit about 80% of all Crime Men commit about 80% of all Crime

/ 93% of all murders/ 93% of all murders

•Why do women commit so few murders?Why do women commit so few murders?•Theory: Women’s orbital frontal region of Theory: Women’s orbital frontal region of the brain larger in women = more ability to the brain larger in women = more ability to

control aggression.control aggression.

Women serial killers: RAREWomen serial killers: RAREPsychopathy: Psychopathy: “Anti-Social Personality Disorder”“Anti-Social Personality Disorder” RARE IN WOMEN RARE IN WOMEN

1. 1. “Angel of Mercy / Death”“Angel of Mercy / Death” Nurses or health care Nurses or health care workers who kill their patientsworkers who kill their patients

2. Mothers: 2. Mothers: Münchausen syndrome by proxy Münchausen syndrome by proxy Deliberately cause injury or illness to another person Deliberately cause injury or illness to another person (most often his or her child / 90% WOMEN), to gain (most often his or her child / 90% WOMEN), to gain attention or some other benefit.attention or some other benefit.

3. BLACK WIDOWS:3. BLACK WIDOWS: Husband murders; favorite Husband murders; favorite method: Poisoningmethod: Poisoning

Freud: Criminals are Freud: Criminals are like Childrenlike Children

Children should progress from:Children should progress from:1.1. Pleasure principle (idPleasure principle (id = need instant gratification) = need instant gratification)2.2. Reality principle (whereReality principle (where the ego / self control is the ego / self control is

dominant). dominant).

. Freud: stable home environment necessary to make . Freud: stable home environment necessary to make the transition. the transition.

Research has supported the fact that most criminals Research has supported the fact that most criminals come from unstable homes.come from unstable homes.

Child abuse and CrimeChild abuse and Crime Abused or neglected children 59% more likely Abused or neglected children 59% more likely

to be arrested as a juvenileto be arrested as a juvenile

One study showed 76% of the serial rapists One study showed 76% of the serial rapists

were abused when young.were abused when young.

Only about 10% of abused children go on to Only about 10% of abused children go on to

commit crimes.commit crimes.

Juvenile “Delinquency”Juvenile “Delinquency”

Many Juvenile offenders are diagnosed Many Juvenile offenders are diagnosed with CONDUCT DISORDERwith CONDUCT DISORDER

Causes of juvenile delinquency:Causes of juvenile delinquency: Poor parenting / upbringingPoor parenting / upbringing

Psychological disordersPsychological disorders Low intelligenceLow intelligence

Every state makes their own rules with Every state makes their own rules with regard to who is a juvenileregard to who is a juvenile

Juvenile CourtsJuvenile Courts Juvenile courts less formal than adult courtsJuvenile courts less formal than adult courts Early “JD’s” were sent to “REFORM SCHOOL” a Early “JD’s” were sent to “REFORM SCHOOL” a

type of prison school for troubled kidstype of prison school for troubled kids Their goal was to REHABILITATE not PUNISHTheir goal was to REHABILITATE not PUNISH Goal of Juvenile JusticeGoal of Juvenile Justice

DiversionDiversion: keeping juveniles from becoming : keeping juveniles from becoming adult criminals by: adult criminals by: • CounselingCounseling• Parental ReleaseParental Release

Landmark Court Cases regarding Landmark Court Cases regarding Juveniles:Juveniles:

In Re GaultIn Re Gault (1967) (1967) 15 year old boy (Gault) is arrested for making 15 year old boy (Gault) is arrested for making

lewd phone calls lewd phone calls Held by the police, questioned, and sentenced Held by the police, questioned, and sentenced

(6 years!) with no trial or input from his parents(6 years!) with no trial or input from his parents Supreme Court: Juveniles have the same Supreme Court: Juveniles have the same

rights as adults!rights as adults! Right to counselRight to counsel Right to confront your accusersRight to confront your accusers Right to remain SilentRight to remain Silent

Roper v. Simmons (2005)

Supreme Court rules: defendants under the age of 18 cannot be executed

Violates the CRUEL AND UNUSUAL punishment prohibition of the 8th Amendment.

New JerseyNew Jersey

Agency:Agency:NJ Juvenile Justice CommissionNJ Juvenile Justice Commission

Emphasizes accountability and offers programs to Emphasizes accountability and offers programs to create independent, productive and law abiding create independent, productive and law abiding citizens.citizens.

DIVERSION: Goal is to avoid incarcerationDIVERSION: Goal is to avoid incarceration

Top Juvenile crime in NJ: RobberyTop Juvenile crime in NJ: Robbery Juveniles: 59% of Arson arrestsJuveniles: 59% of Arson arrests

Bringing down organized Bringing down organized CrimeCrime

R.I.C.OR.I.C.O

R.I.C.OR.I.C.O

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations ActOrganizations Act

1970: RICO created to break up 1970: RICO created to break up “organized crime” THE MAFIA“organized crime” THE MAFIA

MAFIA bosses did not ever directly commit MAFIA bosses did not ever directly commit crime. HOW DO YOU PROSECUTE crime. HOW DO YOU PROSECUTE THEM?THEM?

Charge them under RICO Charge them under RICO Today RICO is used to prosecute any Today RICO is used to prosecute any

group that act illegally. group that act illegally.