ABSTRACT
The question of ‘why’ and ‘how’ certain individuals are drawn towards behaving in a way that contravenes the ‘Law of the Land’ is not an easy one to address. Researchers from various different fields have nevertheless attempted to develop theoretical explanations for the existence of different types of crime and why some individuals commit such acts. Crime and Criminality draws on criminology, sociology, psychology and neuroscience to offer a balanced perspective of crime, the criminal and criminality. Coverage includes:
- a comprehensive discussion of theoretical approaches to criminal behaviour, including biological, social and ‘rational choice’ approaches;
- an analysis of legal and social definitions of crime and how these definitions influence the way specific behaviours are labelled as criminal;
- an examination of different types of crime and criminals, from delinquents to ‘psychopaths’ and sex offenders;
- an exploration of different ways in which crime is predicted, including risk assessment and offender profiling and an overview of investigative techniques.
Addressing a broad range of topics and offering a synthesis of competing theoretical explanations of criminality, this book is essential reading for students taking courses in criminology, criminal psychology, criminal behaviour, forensic psychology and psychological criminology.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |2 pages
PART I What is crime?
part |2 pages
PART II Nature–nurture explanations of criminal behaviour
part |2 pages
PART III Different types of crime and criminal with a focus on nature, nurture and nature–nurture
part |2 pages
PART IV Prediction of criminal behaviour
part |2 pages
PART V Reliability of investigative processes
part |2 pages
PART VI Discussion about the function of law, its impact on antisocial behaviour and its origins