Criminological Theories

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the classical and positivist schools of criminological theory are significantly different in how they attempt to determine the cause of crime. The classical school focuses on the rational thought and free-will of an individual, whereas, the positivist school focuses upon biological factors. The paper suggests that research by biological theorists is drawing more attention to the possibility of underlying biological factors as an explanation for crime, which overshadows the rationale of the classical school that all crime is the result of free-will.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Classical School of Criminological Theory
Deterrence
Development of Positivist School
Positivist School and Biological Theories
Rehabilitation
Juveniles and Mental Health Illnesses
Theory Differences
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Positivist School or Biological theories believe that deterrence by way of punishment is ineffective. The reasons cited is due to the very nature of the school's theory of that individuals who commit crime have an impaired ability against impulsivity as an example. Therefore, it is proposed that individuals be sent for rehabilitation rather than sentenced to prison. It is believed that these individuals can not receive such treatment in a correctional facility and thus upon released offenders that are left untreated, they will continue to offend."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Lombroso, Cesare" A Dictionary of Sociology. John Scott and Gordon Marshall. Oxford University Press 2009. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Apollo Group. 17 August 2009 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t88.e129
• McCormick, Patrick T. "Juvenile Offenders Should Not Be Treated as Adults." Opposing Viewpoints: American Values. Ed. James D. Torr. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Apollo Library. 16 Aug. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ovrc/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010119252&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=apollo&version=1.0>.
• Roper v. Simmons (03-633) 543 U.S. 551 (2005) 112 S. W. 3d 397
• Moore, S. (2009, August 10). Mentally Ill Offenders Strain Juvenile Justice System. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.newyorktimes.com.
• Williams, F. and McShane, M. (2009). Criminological theory. (5th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

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