Biological trait theories

Lombroso

Positivism is the use of the scientific method to solve problems. It relies on the use of empirical methods to test hypotheses.

Cesare Lombroso studied cadavers of executed criminals to scientifically determine whether law violators were physically different from people of conventional values.

Lombroso believed that serious offenders have inherited criminal traits. These born criminals have inherited physical problems that take them to a life of crime.

Criminogenic traits can also be acquired through indirect heredity, such as the case of a degenerate family with a history of insanity, deafness, syphilis, epilepsy and alcoholism.

Deterrence no more. Now reformation or rehabilitation.

Sociobiology (Edmund Wilson, 1970)

It stresses that biological and genetic conditions affect the perception and learning of social behaviors, which in turn are linked to existing environmental structures. The gene is the ultimate unit of life that controls all human destiny.

Biochemical conditions and crime:

Sugar: Twinkie defense in Moscone’s and Milk’s murder by White. White was a city councilman and former police officer who opposed Milk’s measures in favor of gay people. The jury found him guilty of the lesser offense of manslaughter.

Nutritional deficiencies: low levels of vitamins and minerals.

Hypoglycemia: low level of sugar in the blood.

Hormonal deficiencies

Premenstrual syndrome

Allergies

Environmental contaminants

Neurophysiological conditions

The study of the brain activity. Neurological and physical abnormalities are acquired as early as the fetal or perinatal stage and then control behavior throughout the life span.

Attention deficit disorder

Brain injuries

Genetics and crime

Some personality traits are genetically determined. Richard Speck, the murderer of 8 nurses in Chicago was said to have inherited an abnormal chromosomal structure.

These led to several studies, including twin studies and adoption studies.

Evolutionary views of crime:

Cheater theory: a subpopulation of men has evolved with genes that incline them toward extremely low parental involvement. Sexually irresponsible men are free to prey on young girls. Overtime their offspring will supply an ever expanding supply of cheaters who are both antisocial and sexually aggressive.

All biological theories are racist and dysfunctional.