Biological Theories in Criminology, Essay Example

Biological theories in criminology study body constitution and endocrinology. It has been assumed that offenders have certain facial or physical characteristics. Therefore, criminals can be easily detected if careful examination of the person’s head, body, chromosomes, or mental activity is made. In fact, false understanding of biological theories has caused the stereotype that some people are simply born to become criminals.

Franz Joseph Gall supposed that there was certain connection between the shape of human skull and his illegal activity. “A more sophisticated, biological theory was developed late in the 19th century by the Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso (1835–1909), who asserted that crimes were committed by persons who are born with certain recognizable hereditary physical traits”. (Bennett, 2006) XYY syndrome is another cause of criminal activity according to some other theories. In other words, people, especially males, commit more crimes because an extra Y chromosome is often present in their DNA’s. Secondly, it is also supposed that people with Y chromosome cannot adjust to our modern society and, therefore, commit various crimes. According to William Sheldon, offenders have special body types.

Unlike psychological theories in criminology, biological ones are not supported with any practical evidence. They can answer some questions of criminology. However, due to their low development, they are not used a lot in criminal justice.

References

Bennett, J. (2006). The Causes of Crime. Criminology. Retrieved May 5, 2009 from http:/ /www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=206777.