Criminology

Criminological Theories

Caesar Lombroso-

Comparing criminal behavior and deviance

Defining Criminal behavior:

• Legal definition- Any action that is forbidden by criminal law, for a court to consider a defendants action to be a crime the action must have;

Actus Reus- A guilty act

Mens Rea- A guilty mind

• Social definition- Anything that a society deems unacceptable

Criminal acts:

• Summary offences- Are less serious and are tried in a magistrates court.

• Indictable offence- Are more serious and are tried in a crown court before a judge.