Lombroso’s Theory of Crime: Exploring the Origins of the ‘Criminal Man’

In the late 19th century, Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso proposed a theory that would become the foundation of criminology and the basis for the modern criminal justice system. Lombroso’s Theory of Crime, also known as the ‘Criminal Man Theory’, suggested that criminality was a biologically inherited trait and that some people were born ‘criminal’. The theory has had a lasting impact on criminology, but it has also been heavily criticised for its lack of scientific evidence and its potential for abuse. This article will explore the origins of Lombroso’s Theory of Crime and its implications for modern criminal justice.

The Origins of Lombroso’s Theory of Crime

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime was developed in the late 19th century by Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso. Lombroso was a doctor and a professor of psychiatry and criminal anthropology at the University of Turin. He was a prolific writer and his works were widely read and discussed in both academic and popular circles. Lombroso’s most influential work was his 1876 book, ‘The Criminal Man’, in which he proposed the theory that criminality was a biologically inherited trait.

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime was based on the idea that criminals were ‘born’ rather than ‘made’. He argued that some people were born with a ‘criminal type’, which was characterised by physical and psychological traits such as a sloping forehead, large jaw, and a lack of morality. Lombroso argued that these traits were evidence of an evolutionary ‘throwback’ to more primitive times and that criminals were part of a ‘sub-species’ of humanity.

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime was heavily influenced by the ideas of Charles Darwin and the emerging field of evolutionary biology. Lombroso believed that criminality was a trait that had been passed down through generations and that some people were ‘born criminals’. He argued that criminals could be identified by their physical and psychological characteristics and that they should be treated differently from non-criminals.

The Impact of Lombroso’s Theory of Crime

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime had a significant impact on criminology and the criminal justice system. His theory was widely accepted and it became the foundation of criminology and the basis for the modern criminal justice system. Lombroso’s work was influential in the development of the ‘medical model’ of criminal justice, which suggested that criminals should be treated as patients rather than criminals.

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime was also influential in the development of the ‘preventative model’ of criminal justice, which argued that criminals should be identified and treated before they committed a crime. This model was based on the idea that criminals could be identified by their physical and psychological characteristics and that they should be treated differently from non-criminals.

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime was also influential in the development of the ‘deterrent model’ of criminal justice, which argued that criminals should be punished in order to deter others from committing crimes. This model was based on the idea that criminals should be punished in order to discourage others from committing similar crimes.

Criticisms of Lombroso’s Theory of Crime

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime has been heavily criticised for its lack of scientific evidence and its potential for abuse. Lombroso’s theory was based on the idea that criminals were a ‘sub-species’ of humanity and that they could be identified by their physical and psychological characteristics. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this idea and it has been criticised as being unscientific and potentially dangerous.

The theory has also been criticised for its potential for abuse. Lombroso’s theory suggested that some people were ‘born criminals’ and should be treated differently from non-criminals. This has led to the idea that certain groups of people are more likely to commit crimes and should be treated with suspicion. This has been criticised as being discriminatory and potentially leading to the abuse of power.

Conclusion

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime has had a lasting impact on criminology and the criminal justice system. The theory has been influential in the development of the ‘medical model’, ‘preventative model’ and ‘deterrent model’ of criminal justice. However, the theory has also been heavily criticised for its lack of scientific evidence and its potential for abuse.

FAQs

What is Lombroso’s Theory of Crime?

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime is a theory proposed by Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso in the late 19th century. The theory suggests that criminality is a biologically inherited trait and that some people are born ‘criminal’. The theory has been influential in the development of the modern criminal justice system.

What are the implications of Lombroso’s Theory of Crime?

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime has been influential in the development of the ‘medical model’, ‘preventative model’ and ‘deterrent model’ of criminal justice. However, the theory has also been criticised for its lack of scientific evidence and its potential for abuse.

What are the criticisms of Lombroso’s Theory of Crime?

Lombroso’s Theory of Crime has been heavily criticised for its lack of scientific evidence and its potential for abuse. The theory has been criticised as being unscientific and potentially leading to the abuse of power. It has also been criticised for suggesting that certain groups of people are more likely to commit crimes and should be treated with suspicion.