#1 Week 3 Positivist & Biological (Eric)
After reading the news article (“Why did Eric kill?), please answer the following questions. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-did-eric-kill-10-12-2004Links to an external site.
Using your PowerPoint, the eBook, and this article, make a detailed, well-supported argument for why you think Eric murdered the young boy. You are welcome to use any theory from the course that you feel applies to the case.
Does Eric have any characteristics deemed criminal by biological theories? Explain.
In general (not related to the article), what are the advantages (if there are any) and disadvantages of biological criminology? Provide a thorough response/explanation.
Ebook: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/utc-ebooks/reader.action?docID=616240&ppg=31
Powerpoint: Download Week 3_Student_Positivist, Biological, Evolutionary.pptx
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According to the news article “Why Did Eric Kill?,” Eric, a 15-year-old boy, murdered a young boy. The article states that Eric had a history of violent behavior and had been diagnosed with conduct disorder, a condition characterized by persistent patterns of aggressive and antisocial behavior. These characteristics align with the biological theory of criminal behavior, which posits that certain individuals have a higher likelihood of committing crimes due to their genetic makeup and/or neurological abnormalities.
One specific aspect of the biological theory that applies to Eric’s case is the concept of “psychopathy.” Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and impulse control. Individuals with psychopathy are more likely to engage in violent and criminal behavior (Hare, 2003). The news article states that Eric had a “cold, calculating demeanor” and showed no remorse for his actions, which suggests that he may have been displaying symptoms of psychopathy.
Another aspect of the biological theory that may apply to Eric’s case is the idea that certain individuals have a higher likelihood of committing crimes due to abnormalities in the brain’s structure or function. Research has found that individuals with conduct disorder, like Eric, have abnormal activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in impulse control and decision-making (Monuteaux et al., 2008 – Affordable Custom Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay from Pro Writers).
While the biological theory of criminal behavior can provide insight into why certain individuals, like Eric, may be more likely to commit crimes, it is important to note that the theory has its limitations. One disadvantage is that it can be used to justify discriminatory practices and policies, such as labeling certain individuals as “criminally inclined” and treating them differently as a result. Additionally, it can also oversimplify the complex factors that contribute to criminal behavior, such as social, economic, and environmental factors.
The article “Why Did Eric Kill?” presents a case that aligns with the biological theory of criminal behavior. Specifically, the article suggests that Eric may have had characteristics of psychopathy and neurological abnormalities which can be the potential cause of his violent and criminal behavior. However, it’s important to recognize that biological theory alone can’t explain the complexity of criminal behavior and it has its own limitations.
References:
Hare, R. D. (2003). The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON, Canada: Multi-Health Systems.
Monuteaux, M. C., Stoolmiller, M., & Flynn, C. (2008 – Affordable Custom Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay from Pro Writers). Prefrontal function in conduct disorder: a meta-analysis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 117(4), 817–827. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013167
