NCJ Number
87766
Date Published
1981
Length
278 pages
Annotation
The book introduces readers to modern theories of criminology and explains how they contribute to an understanding of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system's response.
Abstract
It discusses the Classical and Italian Schools, as well as the role of physical (Lombrosian theory), genetic, and mental (intelligence, mental disorders) factors in criminal behavior and their contribution to offender classification. Psychoanalytic explanations for criminal behavior, primarily relying on the Freudian approach, include studies by Aichhorn, Healy and Bronner, and Bowlby (maternal deprivation theory); personality theories include Eysenchk's and Trasler's explanations of criminality. An extensive chapter on social and cultural influences includes family factors, area crime studies, gang studies (American and British), structural and cultural theories, symbolic-interactionist and labeling theories, and control theory. Additional material explores criminal statistics -- how they are compiled and how they should be interpreted. Other chapters examine how court reports about offenders prepared by probation officers and psychiatrists are used, and discuss discretion in the criminal justice system. A table of statutes, list of cases, footnotes, an index, and about 400 references are provided.