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Causes of crime in today's society
Crime as a sociological problem
The relationship between biological, sociological, psychological and environmental causes of crime
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Recommended: Causes of crime in today's society
A human being killed by another human is known as homicide. Sometimes homicide and murder can be confused with each other as murder is actually a form of criminal homicide and they are both very similar. Unlike murder other types of homicide are not considered to be a criminal act. Murder is the unjustified or inexcusable killing of another human being and is the most serious criminal offense. Someone that is convicted for murder can be sentenced to many years in prison, life in prison, no possibility of parole and sometimes even the death penalty. There are two different types of violent crimes, expressive and instrumental. Expressive is an act of violence that vents rage, anger and frustration. An instrumental act of violence is designed to improve the social position of the criminal. …show more content…
Research shows that a lot of criminals that have been involved in violence could be suffering from mental disorders. They usually have disorders such as depression, impulsivity, aggression, dishonesty, and, lack of remorse. Some criminals are also known to be anti-social, monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that has been shown to be related to this type of behavior. When someone is low on Mao it can lead to them to being aggressive and impulsive. Another very critical aspect of violence is the environment they grew up in. If someone has a bad upbringing and problems in the household they are most likely to grow up suffering the consequences of being brought up in that situation. Poor family communication and weak family bonds can also lead to a child being brought up with aggression and criminal behavior as an
Neurotransmitters have been suggested as a significant cause of aggressive behavior. Hans Brunner, a geneticist at the University Hospital in Nijmegen, has found that the violent male members of the Dutch family mentioned earlier in this paper, lacked a gene that produces monoamine oxidase-a (MAOA) (4). MAOA is an enzyme that breaks down significant transmitters in the brain. If the MAOA does not break down these transmitters - specifically, serotonin - then buildup of serotonin will occur and could cause a person to act violently (3).
Murder is defined by Curtis (1910) as the act of killing another human being (p.639). This is done unlawfully and with malice aforethought. Most of the time, those convicted of murder are found guilty for reasons of previous violence with the victim, intention on the action, and how much they dwelt on their feelings (Spackman, Belcher, Calapp, & Taylor, 2002, p.616). For example, if the defendant had a history of violence against the victim, intended the action, and dwelt on their feelings, they were most likely to be convicted of
The issue of whether or not criminal or aggressive behavior and violence is caused by biological or environmental factors has proven to be one that has caused a dispute for many years now. The biological or genetic factor of violent/criminal or aggressive behavior is certainly a much talked about topic. The idea that certain individuals could be predisposed to violence is something definitely deserving of doing research about. The nature vs. nurture topic has been a continuing debate for many aspects of human behavior, including aggression/violent behavior and criminal behavior. There have been many studies indicating that chemical relationships between hormones and the frontal lobe of the brain may play a key role in determining aggressive behavior as well as genetics, while other studies have explored environmental and social factors that have been said to control patterns in human aggression. Aggressive/violent behavior can’t be answered directly if it is caused by either nature or nurture; instead it is believed that both cause it.
One reason is there are several stereotypes: sexual/physical abuse, hereditary factors and exposure to violence at home. Second reason that leads to violent behavior is physical neglect by parents. Third reason is juveniles was incarcerated for acts of violence such as: fighting peers or their parents, hitting teachers or instructors, bringing weapon to school to scare his peers and etc. All these come from mistreatment to their children when they was younger. When that happen all children start going crazy and not listening to their parent or anyone that been in their shoes before they was born to even see this happen.
Whether you watch the news or the latest episode of Law & Order, you have probably heard the terms first-degree murder, felony murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter, among others. But what are the differences between the types of homicides? Homicide can be labeled differently in each state, figuring out how someone died and the manner they died in. The penalty for homicide is imprisonment. The precise term of years depends upon the applicable statute. Usually the sentence that is imposed for voluntary manslaughter is greater than that given for involuntary manslaughter. In most states, a more serious penalty is imposed for criminally negligent manslaughter than for unlawful-act manslaughter.
...dolescents to weapons. In many cases children have access to a weapon, particularly a handgun, within their own home. With lack of supervision, children experiment with these dangerous weapons, and may even take them out of their homes. Another contributing factor to violent acts among children is the role of the media and the way that television and movies portray violence. Every where you turn on television and in movies, you see someone killing someone or someone getting killed. Kids see the brutal ways, or the quick and smart schemes of combat tactics. They falsely believe that these types of behaviors are acceptable, because the next week they are back on the show demonstrating another episode of violent acts, with no consequences.
It is also crucial to consider the genetic makeup of these killers when trying to decipher their motives. New research shows a potential link between a strand of genes and aggression and violence (Bradley-Hagerty). The MAO-A gene or (monoamine oxidase A) has been researched extensively. The gene is often referred to as the “warrior gene” (Bradley-Hagerty). The function of this gene is to regulate serotonin in the brain. However, there are different variations of the gene, one of which is believed to prevent the brain from feeling the relaxing effects of the serotonin (Bradley- Hagerty). Without these calming effects, the person with this version of the gene is genetically predisposed to fits of rage; fits of rage that could potentially lead to murder over and over again.
The nurturing of individuals plays a role in the making of killers, as 94% of serial killers had experienced some form of abuse as children and 42% have suffered severe physical abuse (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010). A child abuse is a determining factor, in which supports the idea that serial killers and psychopath, are influenced significantly by nurture (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). In most cases social, cultural and physiological determinants all play a role in influencing serial killers to grow into a mass murderer. It is important that physiological and social determinants can be identified, so they could be altered for the purpose of preventing the number of crime.
Raine states: “ So, in the 1950s, little toddlers were playing outside, putting their fingers in dirt, putting their fingers in their mouths and absorbing the lead. Twenty years later, they became the next generation of violent criminal offenders because violence peaks at about 19 or 20. Then what happens is in the 1990s violence begins to come down, as it's been doing. What's partly explaining that? The reduction in lead in the environment (Raine, NPR).” This shows a biological connection to serial killer behavior. Temporal lobe or amygdala damage can show signs of psychopathy, which can lead to serial killer behavior (Kiehl, Bates, Laurens, Hare, & Liddle, 2006). Violent behavior has also been linked to deficiency in serotonin and high level of testosterone. Growing up in an unhealthy environment is also common in most serial killers. Sexual abuse, physical abuse, and mental abuse in a childhood home breeds serial killers. If someone grows up witnessing violence, it ingrains in their minds that violent behavior is okay. Before a serial killer commits a crime, they may be quiet, reserved, and keep to himself. In this stage, they are usually going on with their regular lifestyle. After a crime, they may taunt the media/police with notes and clues, as well as go on a killing spree. This is because some killers become obsessed with the urge to kill. Some may go as far as contacting the victim’s family. A fantasy is an elaborate
17(4); 241-305. Reif, A. 2007 Neuropsychopharmacology. -. Nature and Nurture Predispose to Violent Behavior: Serotonergic Genes and Averse Childhood Environment. 32 (11); 2375-2383. Schaffner, K. 2001 Current Opinion in Psychiatry.
Reif , A., Rosler, M., Freitage, C., Schneider, M., Eujen, A., Kissling, C., Wenzler, D., & Jacob, C. (2007). Nature and nurture predispose to violent behavior: Serotonergic genes and adverse childhood environment. Neuropsychopharmacology, 32(11), 2375-2838.
Huizinga, David, Bret Haberstick, Andrew Smolen, Scott Menard, and Susan Young. "Childhood Maltreatment, Subsequent Antisocial Behavior, and the Role of Monoamine Oxidase A Genotype." Biological Psychiatry. 60. (2006): 677-683. Print.
Specifically the nurture side you can bring up children or even adults who look at things in the media or play games and become violent because of the things they see and because they want to do what they see. They are influenced by the violent acts they see which are bad because they continue the acts of violence. The things they see around them and see through the media turn them into the violent people we hear of in the world.
Identification and prevention of hideous outcomes in future is one of the foremost responsibility of different organizations including law-enforcers and health professio...
Murder is considered a serious crime in our country. The loosely defined term of murder implies that a person who kills another human being with intent is known as being the worst kind of violent crime we see in our society. Any unlawful killing requires that a living person be killed and it does not mean that the guilty person feels any hatred or spite in order to plan and execute the act of murder. Moreover, the destructive acts that end peoples lives are classified as homicides which include manslaughter and first and second degree murder. More important, the justice system has put different labels on such crimes, but it also allows room for criminals to get away with murder.