Criminal Causation: Biosocial Theories, Genetic Factors, and Constitutional Principles
Overview
This paper examines biosocial theories of criminal causation, which posit that criminal behavior results from physiological and constitutional influences combined with learned behaviors. The paper discusses the Human Genome Project and its relevance to understanding genetic components of criminality, while also addressing criticisms of biosocial theories for neglecting cultural, social, and individual experiential factors.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to biosocial theories and behavioral tendencies in criminal causation
- Constitutional principles and individual awareness of laws
- The Human Genome Project: mapping and understanding human genes
- Criticisms of biosocial theories regarding culture, social learning, and human nature
Preview
Criminal Causation
Student’s
Institution
Course
Instructor
Date
Criminal Causation
Biosocial theories outline criminality and aggression as behaviors influenced physiologically or constitutionally. It implies that the behavior of individuals causes criminal tendencies. On the other hand, the constitutional aspect of laws is a different principle within the biosocial theories of criminal causation. Many are times when individuals engage in crime because of their behavior or something they learn from others (Wells & Walsh, 2019). A good case is given whereby an individual may steal, which is a crime resulting from quenching their thirst for money. Besides, a person may engage in stealing as a result of learning from another. In such cases, what comes out is the principle of the behavioral tendency of an individual.
Constitutionality is the other principle that comes from the biosocial theories of crime. Constitutionality may be likened to following of laws of the lack of abiding to the set guidelines of a nation. Individuals engaging in crime are normally aware of the existence of laws (Wells & Walsh, 2019). However, such individuals continue to engage in activities that are not acceptable. A good case is where an individual may trespass on a land that has a signage that such an activity is disallowed. In such a case, the principle of constitutionality comes across in that an individual fails to observe the rules that have been put across but goes further to disobey them.