Criminal Justice Chapter 3

What is a criminological theory?

An explanation of why crime occurs

What causes crime according to biological theories?

Genetics, heredity, and physical traits may predispose individuals to crime

What are the policy implications of biological theories?

Control programs to manage biological risk factors

What are the causes of crime according to psychological theories?

Personality traits and mental illness

What are the policy implications of psychological theories?

Therapy and counseling

What are the causes of crime according to sociological theories?

Social environments, poverty, and social disorganization

What are the policy implications of sociological theories?

Community development and mentorship

What are the causes of crime according to critical theories?

Power struggles and oppression

What are the policy implications of critical theories?

Social justice reforms and reducing inequality

What is the difference between classical, positivist, and critical theories of crime causation?

Classical see crime as free will, Positivist see crime as something beyond individual control such as psychological or sociological, and Critical see crime as rooted in the social system like inequality or opression.