NCJ Number
126254
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The future of criminology in light of major changes in behavioral sciences, especially in genetics, the brain sciences, and biological psychiatry is explored. Biocriminology is discussed in the context of the impact of science on criminology and criminal justice.
Abstract
The classical versus positivistic concepts of human nature create two approaches to criminology. All current theories of criminal behavior are basically environmental theories with the exception of Freudian theories. Criminological theories of behavior must be reinterpreted in terms of a bio-environmental theory of behavior. An interdisciplinary theory of behavior must be a part of the criminology of the future. Learning theory and criminal behavior, type of criminal behavior, drugs and alcohol addiction, human ecology and crime, crime prevention and the individual offender, crime and the physical environment, and the legal system and crime control policy are all discussed. 59 references.