Nature vs. Nurture
There have been many discussions and debates about what causes crime. What causes a person to commit a murder, or even a lesser offense such as burglary? Some people would assume that criminal behavior was due to a person's upbringing and/or life experiences ("nurture"). Others would suggest that criminal behavior is more complex and would involve a person's genetic makeup ("nature"). Are people just born that way? Is criminal behavior pre-determined at some point in people's lives that they will become criminals? These are valid questions when examining the root of crime and the criminal mind. There are nine generally accepted categories of criminal behavior. They are Classical, Biological, Psychobiological, Psychological, Sociological, Social-Psychological, Conflict, Phenomenological, and Emergent. These classifications are not meant to legitimize a person's action when committing a crime. They can, however, assist scientists in developing a better understanding of what causes crime. Studies comparing identical and non-identical twins, and also the outcome of adopted children, have provided convincing evidence of a modest genetic contribution to crime. Another line of inquiry h
Criminal behavior often stems from both biological and environmental factors. However, biological reasons cannot solely be the cause of criminal behavior. Although nurture may have been historically referred mainly to the care given to children by their parents, any environmental or social factor also would count as nurture, including one's childhood friends, one's early experiences with television, and one's experiences in the womb (Anonymous, 2002). The origin of crime and criminal behavior may never be determined, or at least in this lifetime. Juvenile crime has been affected by a variety of social and cultural problems. Here in the 21st century there is a renewed concern and focus at the federal and state levels regarding the enormous challenges facing the criminal justice professionals. A continued rehabilitative approach would insure that offenders are in a better position to contribute to the workforce, support their families, and serve as successful role models for others in similar situations. The more aggressive and proactive approach from law enforcement, along with community policing, have proven effective in combating crime. Criminal justice professionals believe that many of today's youth are in crisis. The mission of the Department of Juvenile Justice needs to focus on the realignment of the educational curriculums to accommodate the social and cultural concept while maintaining the highest academic standards. Funds for continued research should be readily available, and so holds true for rehabilitative programs for criminal offenders. as looked at the effect of early brain damage, such as might be acquired at birth, and found a link with later violent crime (Wessely, 1995). Children that were subjected to a poorly developed childhood or unsuitable current conditions are more likely to show evidence of criminal behavior than children in a stable and loving environment. Nevertheless, scientist's exploration of the possibility of genetic links to crime should not be rejected. With juveniles comprising a significant portion of the population, juvenile crime and victimization issues require considerable resources and attention from our justice, educational, and other social support systems (Burton, 2001).
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Acceptance Essays
