ABSTRACT
The course of criminal conduct generally follows a rather well-established, age-related pattern. Criminal behavior emerges in early adolescence, peaks in late adolescence, and declines thereafter, with the sharpest decline occurring between late adolescence and the mid-twenties (Hirschi & Gottfredson, 1983). The exception appears to be psychopaths, whose decline may be as late as the mid-forties (Hare, McPherson, & Forth, 1988). This pattern is operationalized in terms of contact with the criminal justice system (e.g., age at first arrest). However, it is reasonable to speculate that disruptive conduct is manifest prior to first arrest. Indeed, Hirschi and Gottfredson (1988) hypothesized that signs of criminality are observable by ages 8-10.
