Criminal Behavior
Elaine Cassel, Marymount University and Lord Fairfax Community College
Douglas A. Bernstein, University of South Florida

ISBN-10: 0205280404
ISBN-13: 9780205280407

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 2001
Format: Cloth; 402 pp
Status: Out of Print

Suggested retail price: $75.00
This item is out of print and is no longer available for purchase.

This book examines the origins and development of criminal behavior by analyzing biological, developmental, familial, social, cultural, political, and economic factors that contribute to crime and violence.

Utilizing the most recent research on the causes and correlates of crime, the text addresses such timely topics as school-related violence and murders committed by young adults. Criminal Behavior also covers the relationship between mental illness and crime, examines the role of victims in the criminal justice process, and addresses the role of prisons and punishment in criminal behavior. The authors have included material on interventions for at-risk children and adolescents — a preemptive measure that may prevent development of violence and crime.

  • Presents criminal behavior through a developmental perspective, in addition to examining the biological, psychological, and social correlates of crime and violence.
  • Analysis of the criminal and juvenile justice systems helps students understand the strengths and weaknesses of both.
  • Extensive use of both current and historic examples places the criminal events in real-life context for students.
  • Comprehensive coverage of a complicated topic.

Most chapters conclude with “Conclusions.”

1. What Is Crime?

Crime as a Legal Concept.

The Sociology of Crime.

The Politics of Crime.

The Morality of Crime.

The Classification of Crimes.

The Statistics of Crime.

Methods for Studying Criminal Behavior.

Criminals and Criminal Behavior.



2. The Criminal Justice System.

Overview of the Criminal Justice System.

Dealing with Special Defendants.

Law Enforcement Officers.

Prosecutors.

Defense Attorneys.

Juries.

Judges.



3. The Juvenile Justice System.

Juvenile Justice Processes.

The Psycholegal Status of Juvenile Offenders.

Juvenile Justice Applied: The Case of Ronald.

The Future of Juvenile Justice.



4. Biological Roots of Crime.

Physical Appearance and Crime.

Evolution and Crime.

Genes and Crime.

Crime and the Brain.

Hormones and Crime.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Crime.



5. Psychological Roots of Crime.

Personality and Crime.

Traits and Crime.

Psychodynamics and Crime.

Learning and Crime.

Cognition and Crime.

Personality Disorders and Crime.



6. Social and Environmental Roots of Crime.

Social Origins of Human Aggression and Violence.

Social Cognition, Social Behavior, and Crime.

The Environmental Roots of Crime.

The Ecology of Crime.



7. The Development of Crime from Early Childhood to Adolescence.

Pathways to Crime.

Biological Influences on the Development of Criminal Behavior.

Developmental Disorders and Crime.

Learning to Be—Or Not to Be—A Criminal.

Family Influences on Criminal Behavior.



8. The Development of Crime from Adolescence to Adulthood.

Adolescence: Challenges and Risks.

Choosing Crime: Moral Development and Social Influence.

Gender Differences in the Development of Criminal Behavior.

Conduct Disorder and the Development of Criminal Behavior.

Substance Abuse and the Development of Criminal Behavior.

Gangs, Guns, and the Development of Criminal Behavior.

Declining Family Influence and Criminal Behavior.

School Failure and the Development of Criminal Behavior.

Pathways to Adult Crime.



9. Mental Disorders and Crime.

What Is Mental Disorder?

Specific Mental Disorders and Crime.

Diagnostic Foundations for an Insanity Plea.

Factors Contributing to Crime among the Mentally Ill.



10. Violent Crimes.

Robbery.

Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter.

Aggravated Assault and Domestic Violence.

Hate Crimes.

Sex Crimes.



11. Economic and Property Crimes.

Arson.

Burglary, Larceny, and Auto Theft.

Fraud.

Occupational Crime.

Syndicated Crime.



12. Victims of Crime.

Who Are Crime Victims?

The Legal Status of Victims.

The Role of Victims in the Criminal Justice System.

Victimology.

Society as a Victim of Crime.



13. The Punishment of Crime, and the Crime of Punishment.

The Goals of Punishment.

Sentencing Procedures and Options.

Imprisonment.

The Death Penalty.



14. The Future of Crime.

A Review of Risk Factors for Criminal Behavior.

Preventing Crime.

Obstacles to Crime Prevention.

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Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students contact your Pearson Higher Education representative.


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