The Search for the Criminal Man

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to criminological theories and figures discussed in the lecture on criminal behavior.

Crimewarps

Refers to the bends in today’s trends that will affect the way we live tomorrow.

Spiritualism

Stressed the conflict between absolute good and absolute evil; those who committed crimes were thought to be sinful demons.

Classical School of Criminology

Emphasizes the individual criminal as a person capable of calculating risks and rewards regarding their actions.

Beccaria's Argument

The presumption of innocence should be the guiding principle in the administration of justice.

Hedonistic Calculus

A method of estimating the pains and pleasures resulting from actions to determine optimal choices.

Cesare Lombroso

Considered the father of modern criminology, he studied biological and evolutionary factors in crime.

Phrenology

The study of how the shape of the skull and head relates to personality traits and criminal tendencies.

Social Darwinism

The theory that applies natural selection to social, political, and economic issues, suggesting that some societies are more evolved than others.

Psychogenic Theories

Theories suggesting that psychological factors and unconscious processes contribute to criminal behavior.

Eugenics

The belief in improving the genetic quality of the human population, often associated with controlling reproduction.