Biological Explanations of Criminal Behavior - 1430 Words

Biological Explanations of Criminal Behavior Nature and nurture contribute to the way a person behaves. This can be applied to the behaviors of criminals. According to Fishbein (1990, pg.37), â€Å"behavior [is] primarily attributed to inherited predispositions and genetic influences.† Nurture is the environmental influence that shape human behavior (Fishbein, 1990, pg.37). Human genetics and environmental factors contribute to the uniqueness to a person’s behavior. However, there are underlying qualities in a criminal’s historical background. Aspects of the nature and nurturing of a criminal behavior includes some problems with earlier biological explanations and some recent biological explanations which have overcome the weaknesses of†¦show more content†¦The classical school and positive school were considered as early biological explanations to the development of criminal minds. According to Sacco and Kennedy (2008, pg.116) the recent biological explanations are different compared to the ear lier biological explanations in several ways. The recent explanation is concentrated more on genetic factors. Additionally, â€Å"the impact of biological factors is mediated by the social environment† (Sacco amp; Kennedy, 2008, pg.116). There are four main approaches that have overcome the weaknesses of the earlier biological explanations: the general pedigree studies, twin studies, adoption studies, and karyotype studies. The general pedigree studies involve people that are related to one another to see if they behave in similar ways. These studies show that people who manifest criminal behaviour are more likely to have offspring that do the same (Cartwright, 2009). However, evidence for the causality of criminal behaviour by genetics is lacking. Other factors that are environmental and accumulative should be considered (Cartwright, 2009). Twin studies on the other hand, avoid the problem that the pedigree studies face. In twin studies, monozygotic (MZ) twins and dizygoti c (DZ) twins are tested. According to Fishbein (1990, pg. 54), MZ twins inherit one hundred percent of their parents genes whereas DZ twins only inherit fifty percent. Studies have shown that if an MZ is involved in a criminal behavior, the otherShow MoreRelatedEssay Biological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour1357 Words   |  6 Pagesmisunderstood phenomenon with no concrete evidence when it comes to human behavior. Throughout time there have been endless amounts of crime theories, few of which revolve around biological explanations. We have Cesare Lombroso and the Positive School who thought that criminals were genetically different from the rest of the general population, that they were biologically aggressive, had criminal traits and/or born as criminals. There is also William Sheldon’s theory of body types, called the somatotypeRead MoreEffectiveness of the Individual Explanation in Comparison to Social Explanation of Crime937 Words   |  4 Pagesindividual explanat ion in comparison to social explanation of crimes, I will draw upon the theory of positivism and strain. There are controversies in which evaluation is the most effective. Unquestionably, both standpoints do have it limitations and strength, I will draw upon case examples and researches of both views in order to critically assess both effectiveness in explaining the occurrence of crimes. Individual explanation of crime is an approach ought to convey that criminal behavior is solelyRead MoreWhy People Commit Crime Is Not An Easy Task1105 Words   |  5 Pagesfor criminal behavior and the factors that flow with them. Criminologists have developed many theories or perspectives of crime. The perspectives recognize the cause of crime by the related qualifies of criminals and populations with high crime rates. Two perspectives of crime stood out from the wide variety, biological and psychological. In some cases biological and psychological explanations of crime run hand in hand, however the two perspectives focus on very different products of criminal behaviorRead More Social Norms1709 Words   |  7 Pagescan be described as adjacent to criminal and improper behaviour imposed by the people who break the social norms of a society. Thus, becoming subjective to a label of deviant. Deviants often have punishment bestowed upon them by authoritive figures such as the enforcer s of law. There are many universal types of deviance throughout societys over the world such as alcoholism, addiction, mental illness and homosexuality. All of these may be a result of biological and social constructionist theoriesRead MoreThe Crime Of The Criminal Justice System845 Words   |  4 PagesThe criminal justice policy has many different aspects. This include the different theories of crime and how they have an impact the criminal justice system. Some of this theories are the Biological studies, Psychological theories, and last the Sociological theory all are used as different methods of explaining why crime exists. Biological theories are the biological explanations of crime. A famous theorists Cesare Lombroso, founder of the Italian school of Positivist Criminology. His biologicalRead MoreBiological and Classical School1265 Words   |  6 Pages2009, the Classical School was uninterested in studying the criminal per se; it gained its association with criminology through its focus on lawmaking and legal processing. The Positive School of criminology focused on explaining and understanding social behavior of criminals. The members of this school used the approach to the study of crime, which became known as criminology. Positivists saw behavior as determined by its biological, psychological, and social traits (Williams McShane, 2009)Read MoreA Study Of Crime Fell Into The Domain Of Metaphysicians, Penologists And Moralists1478 Words   |  6 PagesLombroso that the study of crime was turned into a biological science (Rafter, 2006). Lombroso’s main focus for the biological school of thought was that criminals do have physical characteristics that are well defined and are distinct when compared to people who abide by the law. In fact, Lombroso believed that born criminals had the physical, mental, and instincts of primitive man (earlier stage of human evolution), which meant these born criminals were unsuited for a civilized society and unlessRead MoreThe Biological Theories Of Crime Essay1218 Words   |  5 PagesBiological theories of crime attempt to explain behaviors through examination of individual characteristics. Cesare Lombroso was one of the founding fathers of the biological theory of criminology, stating that criminals are biologically different from non-criminals. The biological perspective explained that crime was a characteristic of human nature. Through Lombroso’s research observing physical characteristics in Italian prisoners and soldiers, he concluded that criminals were physically differentRead MoreBiological Theories Of Criminal Beha vior844 Words   |  4 PagesBiological Theories are vastly growing with fascinating research. The main stump is concretely linking it to criminal behavior, because some theories are more relatable than others. Theories involving temperament and hormones give real life biological explanations, while others like extrovert and introvert behaviors, and neuroticism explain a weaker link to crime. However, all theories are valuable in exploring the root of crime. Temperament can be described as the natural mood disposition determinedRead MoreDeviance Essay756 Words   |  4 Pagesaction or behavior that violates social norms, including a formally enacted rule, as well as informal violations of social norms. Deviant behavior is any behavior that is contrary to the dominant norms of society. Norms are rules and expectation by which members of society are conventionally guided. Social norms differ from culture to culture. Deviance can be criminal or non-criminal. There are many different theories on what causes a person to exhibit deviant behavior. Some explanations can be biological

Bless Me, Ultima Literary Analysis Essay - 714 Words

tSam Ennis Period #4 20 September 2012 â€Å"Bless Me, Ultima† by Rudolfo Anaya Literary Analysis Throughout the context of â€Å"Bless Me Ultima,† it is evident that there are many motifs and examples of dichotomy. I believe that Anaya uses the previously mentioned elements of literature in order to provoke his readers’ thinking and help embody a struggle of understanding the world we live in. Motifs in this novel include: family, dreams, religion, education, and the list continues. For examples of dichotomy, the idea of good versus evil is the most vivid in this novel. An important motif in â€Å"Bless Me, Ultima† are Antonio’s dreams. His dreams foreshadow major events and make him question his beliefs, especially revolving around†¦show more content†¦Two other literary elements that Rudolfo Anaya includes in â€Å"Bless Me, Ultima† are magical realism and archetypes. Magical realism can be described as something that is not necessarily real but is believable and could be considered a miracle. Archetypes are typical examples of a pe rson, place or thing. Anaya includes many examples of both not only to make the story grasp the reader more, but to guide the reader to interpret the story through their own lenses. An example of magical realism in the story is that of the Golden Carp. While many people would not consider it real, the concept is similar to the idea of god. The Golden Carp is something that Antonio considers magical and fascinating but is reluctant to believe in. At the bottom of page 113 Antonio says, â€Å"The Golden Carp came. Cico pointed and I turned to where the stream came out of the dark grotto of overhanging tree branches. At first I thought I must be dreaming.† (Anaya, Page #113). Even though he was enthusiastic to view the Golden Carp, once he saw it he had a hard time accepting its physical existence. Significant archetypes in this novel feature: Ultima as the good spirit and Antonio as the boy idol. Another important one are the girls from Rosie’s as temptresses. These girl s are the spark a lot of controversy and remain the reason for much of the sin in their town. On page 145 of chapter 14 Ernie says, â€Å"Is it true that your brother’s beenShow MoreRelatedBless Me, Ultima Literary Analysis714 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"Bless Me, Ultima† by Rudolfo Anaya Literary Analysis Throughout the context of â€Å"Bless Me Ultima,† it is evident that there are many motifs and examples of dichotomy. I believe that Anaya uses the previously mentioned elements of literature in order to provoke his readers’ thinking and help embody a struggle of understanding the world we live in. Motifs in this novel include: family, dreams, religion, education, and the list continues. For examples of dichotomy, the idea of good versus evil isRead MoreThematic Analysis Of Bless Me, Ultima1580 Words   |  7 Pages Thematic Analysis of Conflicts in, Bless me, Ultima Differences in others aid to the stimulation of ideas and opinions that expresses an individual s personality. In Rudolfo Anaya’s bildungsroman, Bless Me, Ultima, the struggle between two families and their extreme differences cause numerous conflicts that are constantly present throughout his novel. In this chicano inspired novel, Antonio Marà ©z, the six year old protagonist, is perpetually faced with instances of dissimilarity throughoutRead More Bless Me, Ultima: The Cultural Distress Of A Young Society Essay example3164 Words   |  13 Pages Bless Me, Ultima: The Cultural Distress of a Young Society An answer to the discussion question of whether or not there is a defined border culture would need a great number of years in field research, but we can also observe a few of the characteristics of such border culture just by looking at scholastic essays and books related to the topic. Within the research that I did, I found a number of scholars who, while defining the border, mention all the specific or special characteristics of thisRead MoreAtticus, Scout, And Jem Finch2314 Words   |  10 Pagesof prejudice and to treat every â€Å"class† or â€Å"wrung on the ladder† equally. Her experiences made her a better person and, although she is still growing up, she is learning to treat everyone with respect and to treat every race kindly. Task #2- Bless Me, Ultima Many people are very fascinated and concerned with the idea of death. Antonio witnesses many deaths through his young like and as he does, it seems to shape the way he grows and understands the world, both positively and negatively. He was introducedRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie Holden Talks With Mr. Spencer Essay1569 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis: This quote is from the part when Holden talks with Mr. Spencer. Since Holden failing all his classes except one, Mr. Spencer is advising Holden about the importance and the impact of his actions in his life. Holden’s perception of adults is depicted when he curses Mr. Spencer in his mind. By nodding silently to Mr. Spencer’s words, Holden actually disrespects adults. We can easily perceive that Holden feels alienated when Mr. Spencer tells him that he is one of those people on â€Å"the otherRead MoreLiterary Criticism : The Free Encyclopedia 7351 Words   |  30 Pages Bildungsroman From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search In literary criticism, a Bildungsroman (German pronunciation: [ˈbÉ ªldÊŠÅ‹s.Ê oËÅ'maË n]; German: novel of formation, education, culture),[a] novel of formation, novel of education,[2] or coming-of-age story (though it may also be known as a subset of the coming-of-age story) is a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood (coming of age),[3]

Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Free Essays

A criminal must be dealt with by law, he must reap what he sow.  Ã‚   However, before he is put into prison, he is guaranteed protection by the Constitution through due process of law.   According to our constitution, all men are innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt before a court of law. We will write a custom essay sample on Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice or any similar topic only for you Order Now    Before an accused is incarcerated, he must undergo several stages at different venues.   It may start from the lowest state courts and end up in the highest federal court of the land.   Each and every court that his case shall pass through has its own role and function in his prosecution or protection. For a better understanding of how the United States judicial structure works, let us envision a crime such as manslaughter committed in the state of Georgia.   I made reference to Georgia because this state’s judicial structure is typical of most of the other states’ judicial structure (Rawlings). Let us take for example Billy who allegedly killed Sam.   Before he is convicted of this crime, he must undergo a series of procedures guaranteed by the constitution to provide him with all the opportunity to defend his side. The first of the series is the initiation of the prosecution.   In this stage, there are three ways in which Billy’s prosecution may be initiated (CrimeVictimLaw), the first is when the police responds to a call that a crime is happening or has happened and upon arriving at the scene makes their own investigation. Another mode is when the victim reports to the prosecutor’s office directly which prompts the prosecutor’s office to make their own investigation.   In such instance, the prosecutor’s office may either ask the police to seek criminal charges or conduct a grand jury investigation (CrimeVictimLaw).   The grand jury, composed of 23 randomly-selected people, is going to hear the witnesses without a judge’s presence and examine the evidence gathered to decide on whether or not there is reason to believe that Billy actually committed the crime imputed on him (CrimeVictimLaw). If in this stage the investigation shows that Billy maybe guilty of killing Sam, the prosecution shall now file formal charges against Billy, otherwise Billy will be set free.   When the prosecution files its formal charges, it must identify the crime committed, in this case it may either be unlawful and dangerous manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.   The prosecution must also show that all the elements of said crime were present. The elements of involuntary manslaughter are: (1) an unintentional killing; (2) proximately caused by either (a) an unlawful act not amounting to a felony and not ordinarily dangerous to human life, or (b) culpable negligence (North Carolina v. Hudson), whereas, the elements of unlawful or dangerous manslaughter are that (i) the defendant ‘s act must cause the death, (ii) the defendant ‘s act must be unlawful, (iii) the defendant ‘s act must be dangerous (Crimnet). The next stage of prosecution is the arraignment and bail.   In the arraignment stage, the   judge will formally inform Billy of the charges against him and give him an opportunity to enter a plea to the charge (jennifer).   Billy, t during this stage is assigned a lawyer if he has not acquired the services of a private practitioner.   Also in this stage, he can make bail.   Bail is a fixed amount of money which sole purpose is to guarantee that the defendant shall appear before the court in all scheduled hearings.   Some states release the accused on recognizance, which means that he can be released with the promise that he will return to court without posting bail. After arraignment comes the discovery and motions stage.   At this stage, the parties for both the prosecution and the defense are required to exchange information relevant to the case.   The prosecution â€Å"must disclose to the defense attorney statements of witnesses, police reports, scientific tests and any evidence that may support the defendant’s claim† (CrimeVictimLaw) that he either did not commit the crime imputed or that he has a valid and lawful reason, which in the eyes of the law is a justifying circumstance, for committing the crime.   Also in this stage, motions are filed by either party in instances where either party does not agree with the evidence presented or when the evidence presented is not admissible in court, i.e. evidence from unlawful searches and seizures.   The motions filed are brought before the judge and he is the one who makes the decision on the issues presented. The next phase is the disposition stage.   At this stage, the case may end in two ways, Billy may enter a guilty plea or the case may be dismissed.   However, if Billy does not enter a guilty plea, he will go to trial in which case he is given the option of a â€Å"bench trial† or a â€Å"jury trial† (CrimeVictimLaw).   The former is decided by the judge sitting in his court while the latter is decided by a jury composed of twelve randomly selected individuals.   After the trial, the next stage is the sentencing of the accused, he may be merited with imprisonment, a suspended sentence, a split sentence or he may be released on probation. In all the stages mentioned, the court that has jurisdiction is dependent on several factors.   Either he will be tried in the state court or the federal courts.   Only in cases where (1) the defendant is a resident of a different state and the case involves a significant amount of money; or (2) the case involves a question of federal law; or (3) the United States is a party to the case (Rawlings) may the federal courts be resorted to.   Thus, in the normal flow of things Billy shall be tried in the state courts only.   The state court that has general jurisdiction – handles all civil case, felony crimes, cases involving title to land, divorces and equitable actions – is the Superior Court (Rawlings). If Billy finds that there was an error in law or procedure that affected his conviction, he may file an appeal with the Georgia Court of Appeals.   The Court of Appeals is composed of 11 judges in divisions of 3.   In cases where the three judges are not in agreement, then the case shall be raised to the court en banc, or as a whole and the decision shall be based on a majority vote (Rawlings).   If in case the Georgia Court of Appeals rules against Billy, he may make an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.   An appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court is not a right, it is on the discretion of the Supreme Court to entertain an appeal before it. Only in cases where the Court of Appeals made a manifest error of law shall the Supreme Court give an appeal due course, wherein the nine justices of the Supreme Court shall deicide by majority vote (Rawlings).   If the Supreme Court does not entertain Billy’s appeal, the ruling of the Court of Appeals shall become final and Billy must perform what the decision orders. The structure of the federal courts are the same with state courts – decisions maybe appealed to the Federal Court of Appeals and then to the highest court of the land, the United States Supreme Court –   difference lies only on the cases that they entertain.   As with district courts, appeal to the Federal Court of Appeals is a right whereas Appeal to the United States Supreme Court is discretionary, meaning that it can pick and choose cases and hear only the non-frivolous appeals that present truly novel issues† (Wikipedia). In all the stages of appeal whether in the state courts or federal courts, it must be made clear that what can be appealed is a ruling of conviction, if in any stage of the trial a court decides that Billy is not guilty beyond reasonable doubt, he will be released and he shall be immune from another case based on the same grounds and arising from the same act. In conclusion, the United States Criminal Justice System is unique, our country has developed a way in which all states regardless of independence from one another is still bound by a greater court.   Our justice system also came up with several stages and multiple appeals as granted by the Constitution to a defendant to guarantee that every man has his day in court and that he can aptly defend himself.   It provides that due process shall be given to each and everyone regardless of crime and race. References CrimeVictimLaw. Stages of Prosecution. Retrieved December 8, 2008, from http://www.crimevictimlaw.com/criminal/stages.html Crimnet. Manslaughter. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from http://law.anu.edu.au/criminet/tmans.html North Carolina v. Hudson. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from http://www.aoc.state.nc.us/www/public/sc/opinions/1997/356-96-1.htm Stages of Prosecution. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from Law Offices of Jennifer Monroe: http://www.exclusivelycriminaldefense.com/StagesOfProsecution.html Rawlings, Tom C. A Brief Introduction to the Judicial Structure of the United States. Retrieved January 8, 2008, from www.tomrawlings.com/judicial%20structure.doc Wikipedia. United States Federal Courts. Retrieved December 8, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_courts How to cite Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice, Essay examples