NCJ Number
15149
Journal
Kriminologisches Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY-SEPTEMBER 1974) Pages: 201-208
Date Published
1974
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THREE CASE HISTORIES ARE PRESENTED TO ILLUSTRATE A TYPE OF OFFENDER WHO ORIENTS HIS BEHAVIOR ACCORDING TO RULES WHICH DIFFER FROM THOSE ON WHICH THE LAW IS BASED.
Abstract
THE TYPE OF OFFENSES COMMITTED BY SUCH PERSONS ARE USUALLY UNCOMPLICATED CASES OF BURGLARY, ROBBERY, OR FRAUD WHERE THERE IS NO QUESTION AS TO THE ILLEGALITY OF THE ACT. ACCORDING TO THE RULES THESE PERSONS LIVE BY, THEY CONCEIVE OF THEIR OFFENSE AS A PRACTICAL ERROR AND NOT AS AN IMMORAL ACT. CONSEQUENTLY, THEY CHARACTERISTICALLY FEEL NO SENSE OF GUILT ABOUT THE OFFENSE. THE ARTICLE ASSERTS THAT, ALTHOUGH SUCH PERSONS REPRESENT A LARGE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO HAVE COME INTO CONFLICT WITH THE CRIMINAL LAW, THERE CURRENTLY EXISTS NO CATEGORY FOR THEM. IT IS FURTHER ASSERTED THAT THE DIAGNOSIS AND RESOCIALIZATION OF SUCH INDIVIDUALS IS A DIFFICULT TASK INVOLVING COMPLEX SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED) --IN GERMAN