Journal: Criminal Prosecution Southern New Hampshire University Dr. Tim Franklin April 14, 2024 Kecia R. Norrell
Limitations: · What are the limitations of utilizing psychological theories in the prosecution of criminals? Psychological theories play a crucial role in understanding criminal behavior, but they also have limitations when applied to the prosecution of criminals. The limitations of utilizing psychological theories in the prosecution of criminals would be that it does not consider external factors of a person's decision. Psychological theories often focus on individual factors such as intelligence, personality, and early childhood experiences. However, they may not adequately consider broader social and cultural influences. Some psychological theories may inadvertently perpetuate racial bias and unconscious assumptions. Psychological theories do not explain individual cases or shed light on potential causes of behavior. They do not provide a clear explanation of why a specific person committed a particular crime. . Can these limitations be addressed or rectified? Explain. The limitations of psychological theories can be both addressed and rectified. They can be addressed through individual assessments and the profile can be adjusted accordingly. Instead of relying solely on theories, a comprehensive assessment of the individual's history, environment, and personal characteristics can provide a more accurate picture. It can also be addressed or rectified by an evidence-based investigation, as well as continuing to perform studies and collect data on criminal behavior. Using evidence to guide and investigation will help to solve crimes and prevent wrongful convictions. Motivational Factors: · Does a person's age impact their motivation? A person's age can impact their motivation to commit crimes. Typically, an offender will commit fewer crimes as he or she ages. Most criminals mature out of crime, even those involved in violent acts. They tend to mature out of lawbreaking before reaching middle age. "Research shows that for serious crimes (such as murder, rape, robbery, etc.), adults typically commit these crimes for a duration of five to ten years, as measured by arrests" (Goldstein, 2015). Younger individuals are more likely to be poor, and poverty is
associated with a higher likelihood of criminal behavior. Individual motivations for crime are complex and multifaceted, but age plays a significant role in shaping criminal behavior. . Does a person's age increase the chances of continued criminal behavior? Age does increase the chances of a person continuing criminal behavior. "Age is one of the strongest predictors of criminal behavior, with crime and age being "one of the most robust relationships in all of criminology" (Rocque, Posick, and Hoyle, 2016). Research has consistently found that crime increases in adolescence, peaks in the late teens or early 20's, and then continually decreases" (Person, 2023). There is a term for this called the age crime curve. It is one of the most consistent findings in developmental criminology. The variation of this theory is: o Violence tends to peak later than property crimes. o Girls peak earlier than boys. o The curve is higher and wider for young males (especially minorities) growing up in the most