1. Criminality is a matter of to Choice or Social Structure theory.
Trait Theory
Criminality is a matter of
ABNORMAL HUMAN TRAITS
as opposed
to Choice or Social Structure theory.

2. Trait Theory Trait Theory is divided into 2 sections.
1. Stresses BIOLOGICAL makeup.
2. Stresses PSYCHOLOGICAL functioning.

3. Trait Theory
SOCIOBIOLOGY Human behavior is motivated by INBORN biological urges to survive and keep the species going.

4. Trait Theory
SOCIOBIOLOGISTS believe: HUMAN BIOLOGY works with ENVIROMENTAL and LEARNING FACTORS to create criminal traits. (This is why not all people from poor urban neighborhoods with bad schools are criminal)

5. Trait Theory CONTEMPORARY Trait theorists believe:
That there are MANY biological and psychological attributes contributing to criminality.
EX.
Neurological Problems
Inherited tendencies
Blood chemistry disorders

6. Trait Theory View that ALL humans are born
EQUIPOTENIALITY
View that ALL humans are born
with EQUAL potential to learn &
achieve.

7. Trait Theory
Because EQUIPOTENTIALITY does NOT exist: The combination of physical traits & the environment can produce CRIMINALITY.

8. Trait Theory
TRAIT THEORISTS believe if the following factors are combined CRIMINALITY is more probable: Defective Intelligence Impulsive Personality Abnormal Brain Chemistry Family Life Education Socioeconomic conditions & neighborhoods

9. Trait Theory
BIOLOGICAL TRAIT THEORISTS Focus on the BIOLOGICAL conditions that control human behavior.

10. Trait Theory
Some believe that GENETICS, DIET & the ENVIRONMENT all influence SOCIAL BEHAVIOR.

11. Trait Theory
The TWINKIE DEFENSE (1979) Dan White was found guilty of a lesser crime after killing Mayor George Moscone & City Councilman Harvey Milk due to his addiction to Junk food.

12. Trait Theory
Bio Chemical factors that have been linked to crime include: Diet Hypoglycemia (Low Glucose levels in the blood) Hormones

13. Trait Theory
Androgen's – Male sex hormones (Abnormal androgen levels are linked to aggressive behavior) Testosterone – The most abundant androgen is linked to criminality.

14. Trait Theory
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) Still unclear if PMS is linked to crime.

15. Trait Theory
Environmental Contaminants Lead has been linked to criminality. Debora Denno (1993) Study of 500 African American youth with lead poisoning linked to delinquency.

16. Trait Theory Neurophysiology Study of BRAIN activity.
Children who suffer neurological deficits at birth or adolescence become antisocial later in life.

17. Trait Theory ASPERGERS DISORDER
A neurological impairment which affects communication, social skills & learning.
J. Arturo Silva (2002) – linked to serial killers

18. Trait Theory
Violent offenders, substance abusers, domestic violence offenders, habitual liars, all have been linked to BRAIN FUNCTIONS.

19. Trait Theory
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Higher rates of: Drug use Arrests School problems Anti Social activity

20. Trait Theory
ADHD Cont. Many with ADHD also are diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder. Aggressive behavior Defiant Anti Social