Richard Speck And Criminal Theory Analysis

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the case of Richard Speck, a convicted murderer of eight women in the United State. At Speck's trial his attorney claimed that a new theory of behavioral causality with an identifiable chromosomal abnormality represented by the XYY configuration corresponded to specific behavioral traits that predisposed individuals to violent and antisocial behavior. The author of the paper examines evidence for and against this theory in the light of Speck's childhood, research and an autopsy performed on Speck's body after he died in 1991.

Outline:
Background and History
XYY Supermale Analysis
Social Biology Analysis
References

From the Paper:

"Critics of the XYY theory of criminal conduct suggest that even if XYY corresponds to higher statistical likelihood of certain types of antisocial behavior, it is not substantially different from other components of naturally evolved human behaviors. In other primate species, including those most closely related to homo sapiens, male dominance is expressed through patterns of behavior that would be considered, in human terms, criminal. According to that view, even XYY-based behavioral patterns still lie within the spectrum of normal human tendencies and that it is not particularly surprising that prisons house individuals who share behavioral traits consistent with criminal behavior (The Hastings Center 1980)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gerrig, R, Zimbardo, P. (2005) Psychology and Life. 17th Edition. New York: Allyn & Bacon.
• The Hastings Center (1980) Special Supplement - The XYY Controversy: Researching Violence and Genetics. Vol. 10, No. 4 (Aug/80).
• Innes, B. (2007) Serial Killers: The Story of History's Most Evil Murderers. London: Quercus
• Macionis, J.J. (2003) Sociology 9th Edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Schmalleger, F. (1997) Criminal Justice Today: An Introductory Text for the 21stCentury. New Jersey: Prentice Hall

More papers on Richard Speck And Criminal Theory Analysis:

• Term Paper # 100183 : "Gender and Criminal Theory"
• Case Study # 65723 : "Criminal Theory"
• Essay # 63124 : "Racist Crime in Light of Criminal Theory"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: