What Makes a Criminal Essays - 1778 Words

What makes a criminal a criminal? Can anyone become a criminal? Answering and understanding these questions is the core work of criminologists as most criminologists attempt to make sense of why people do certain things (Garland, Sparks 2000). This essay will consider the notion that any person could become a criminal and in so doing consider the initial question. This essay will outline a range of theories that attempt to describe human behavior in relation to criminal behavior given the complexities of behaviour. Several theories will be considered as no single theory of behavior can account fully for the complexities and range in criminal behaviour. The theories range from social-control, to classical, to biological, to personality†¦show more content†¦Further to this, they need to provide a thorough explanation underpinning the criminal behaviour (Hayes, Prenzler, 2009). There are numerous theories available to assist with the explanation of criminal behaviour. These the ories give rise to behavioral patterns such as repetition, instigation, desistance, and maintenance (Akers, Jensen, 2007). 2 It is possible to consider the notion that some people may be more predisposed to committing a criminal behaviour or could become a criminal by committing an offence (Gottfredson, Hirschi 1990). For example, people in certain areas have a higher rate of crime. This higher crime rate in those areas seems to remain constant over time (Hayes, Prenzler, 2009). There may be many reasons influencing this phenomenon including socio-economic, and the limited resources associated with this (including less money and fewer services). This may be a factor contributing to the reason people living in these areas become a criminal – that is, to survive (Baumer Gustafson, 2007). However, the view that crime pays well and many commit crime for a lucrative lifestyle is simplistic and an unlikely explanation for the range in criminal behavior and circumstances surrounding that behaviour. It has be noted that while some may view crime as an avenue to gaining a lifestyle, crimeShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes a Criminal?734 Words   |  3 PagesWhat makes a criminal? Can anyone become a criminal? What makes people do certain things and behave a certain way? There are many contributing factors that leads to criminal behavior such as the economy, social environment, family, mental disorders etc. A criminal is someone who has committed a crime or broken the law. Anyone and everyone can become a criminal. Deviant behavior is seen everywhere in the world today. There are many types of crimes, from speeding, to stealing, on up to being a serialRead MoreWhat Makes A Criminal? Criminal Behavior?1301 Words   |  6 PagesFor this research paper I will show that pretty much a nyone can be labeled or become a criminal. With this being said, I will go into detail as to â€Å"what makes a criminal a criminal?† First off, criminal behavior refers to conduct that is being committed which can lead to an unlawful act. There’s a wide variety of behaviors that can be from just tasting something at the flea market, to driving faster than the posted speed limit, to cursing at players at a game in disappointment. We as a society andRead MoreWhat Makes Someone A Criminal?1461 Words   |  6 PagesWhat makes someone a criminal? June from Brotherly Love is a criminal in the laws eyes but not really one in the communities eyes. Brotherly Love is a movie about a star basketball player named sergio and his friends and family. June is the oldest brother of his siblings and he takes care of them. In the laws eyes he is a criminal but in the eyes of the community and to his family he is just someone who is taking care of his family the only way he knows how. J une is an outlaw hero for many reasonsRead MoreWhat Makes Someone A Criminal?1753 Words   |  8 Pages Paper 1 What makes someone a criminal? I would imagine that this question is on a lot of peoples minds, everyone wants to know what makes someone commit the crimes that they do. Well there are seven theories, deterrence, rational choice, routine activities, biological, bio social, psychoanalytical, and psychological. These theories help us understand why people are criminals, and they also help us determine why some of us are not. Using theseRead MoreWhat Makes Someone Become A Criminal?2312 Words   |  10 PagesWhat Makes Someone Become a Criminal? Have you ever watched the news or read an article about a horrific crime that was committed and wonder what would make a person do such a terrible thing? Is there a biological, psychological, or social factor that causes these actions? Are they born with a specific gene or is there something psychological that eventually surfaces that causes their actions? Are people born innocent and criminal tendencies are learned throughout life through observations, environmentRead MoreWhat Are The Factors Which Makes A Child Criminal?1298 Words   |  6 PagesTopical Question The word deviance means behaviors that violate social norms, and this can include crime. The topical question that I want to explore is, â€Å"What are the factors which makes a child criminal?† Article 1 Violence, Crime, and Abuse Exposure in a National Sample of Children and Youth The importance of this article is the fact that it proved, when children are exposed to violence, crime and abuse as it affects their development and the policymakers need to pay special attention to thisRead MoreWhat physical evidence does in a criminal trial and the vast impact it can make1678 Words   |  7 PagesIn the criminal justice system, the best chance of a fair trial and justice lies within cases that include physical evidence. Physical evidence, whether fibers, fingerprints, or DNA, can give a jury proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Physical evidence can convict a criminal, or it can free an innocent man. It can bring closure to families and to the law enforcement that work the cases. The following cases will show what physical evidence does in a criminal trial and the vast impact it can make. For eachRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System Is A Big Part Of Why We Have Order1205 Words   |  5 PagesThe criminal justice system is a big part of why we have order. If there wa s no criminal justice system and its components that keep it running, the population would run wild. There are three major components of the criminal justice system, the criminal courts, corrections, and law enforcement. These components help uphold the law and protect people from others who do break the law. The world is not perfect, but there have been many examples in real life and in literature and films that show whatRead MoreWhy People Commit Crimes1403 Words   |  6 Pagespoints of view of what is criminal behavior. Of course, each person has it own opinion. Crime is the human conduct in violation of the criminal laws of a state, the federal government, or a local jurisdiction that has the power to make such laws, according with Schmalleger. The criminal behavior is the antisocial acts that a person commits for different reasons. This means that the person violated laws constantly for a long or short time period. There are many reasons why criminals commit crimes. SomeRead MoreCriminal Justice1385 Words   |  6 PagesCriminal Justice Trends Criminal justice Criminal Justice Trends Criminal justice field is growing every day. It grows with the help of technology and society. When the technology evolves and society grows the criminal justice has to evolve and grow to fit the society needs. Whether it is an easy or hard change the criminal justice system never fails us. With any state the criminal justice system is to protect and serve the community so the more it evolves the more the system has to. The following