Psychological Theories Of Crime
Psychological theories focus on individual mental processes and behavior to explain why people commit crimes. These theories suggest that crime is a result of abnormal personality traits, mental illness, or developmental problems.
Key Psychological Theories:
1. Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud)
Crime results from unconscious conflicts and unresolved childhood issues.
The id (primitive desires), ego (reality), and superego (morality) imbalance can lead to criminal behavior.
Criminals may have a dominant id overriding social norms.
2. Behavioral Theory
Crime is learned behavior through conditioning and reinforcement.
Individuals learn criminal behavior by observing and imitating others (modeling).
Positive reinforcement (rewards) and negative reinforcement (avoiding punishment) affect criminal behavior.
3. Cognitive Theory
Focuses on how individuals perceive and mentally process information.
Criminals may have cognitive distortions or faulty thinking patterns (e.g., justifying harmful acts).
Poor problem-solving and impulse control can lead to crime.
4. Personality Theory
Certain personality traits (e.g., impulsiveness, aggression, lack of empathy) predispose individuals to crime.
Psychopaths and sociopaths are examples where personality disorders correlate with criminality.
5. Mental Illness and Crime
Certain mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) may impair judgment or impulse control, resulting in criminal acts.
Legal systems often consider insanity or diminished capacity as defenses.
Case Laws Illustrating Psychological Theories in Crime
1. R v. Byrne (1960) 2 QB 396 (UK)
Facts: The accused strangled a young woman during an episode of uncontrollable sexual urges.
Legal Issue: Whether "abnormality of mind" under the defense of diminished responsibility applies.
Held: The court accepted that the accused suffered from a "state of mind so different from that of an ordinary human being" that it impaired self-control, grounding the defense in psychological abnormality.
Significance: Demonstrates how psychological impairment affects criminal liability.
2. State of Maharashtra v. Arvind Vithal Gokak, AIR 1969 SC 128
Facts: Accused charged with murder raised the defense of insanity.
Legal Issue: Whether accused was mentally capable of understanding the nature of the act.
Held: Supreme Court accepted the insanity defense after medical evidence showed accused was suffering from mental illness at the time.
Significance: Recognizes mental illness as a factor negating criminal responsibility.
3. Sheehan and Moore v. UK (1979) 2 EHRR 478
Facts: Two individuals set fire to a building causing death.
Legal Issue: Whether diminished responsibility applies due to intoxication or abnormal mental state.
Held: The court considered evidence of abnormal mental states affecting culpability.
Significance: Showcases the role of psychological conditions in assessing criminal intent.
4. R v. Martin (Anthony) (2001) 1 Cr App R 12
Facts: The accused, suffering from a depressive illness, shot intruders in his home.
Legal Issue: Whether his mental state mitigated his culpability.
Held: The court accepted diminished responsibility due to depressive illness.
Significance: Mental health conditions can reduce charges or sentence severity.
5. U.S. v. Hinckley (1982)
Facts: John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate President Reagan, claiming insanity.
Legal Issue: Insanity defense and the role of psychiatric evaluation.
Held: Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Significance: Landmark case showing how psychological evaluations impact criminal responsibility.
Summary of Legal Principles on Psychological Theories in Crime
| Case | Year | Principle |
|---|---|---|
| R v. Byrne | 1960 | Abnormality of mind can reduce criminal responsibility |
| State of Maharashtra v. Gokak | 1969 | Insanity defense based on mental incapacity |
| Sheehan and Moore v. UK | 1979 | Abnormal mental state impacts intent and culpability |
| R v. Martin (Anthony) | 2001 | Mental illness as a basis for diminished responsibility |
| U.S. v. Hinckley | 1982 | Psychiatric evaluation critical in insanity defense |
Conclusion
Psychological theories of crime provide important insight into how mental health and personality disorders influence criminal behavior. Courts often rely on expert psychiatric evidence to determine the extent to which such factors mitigate or negate criminal liability.
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