Author: Shivani Bhasin, CT Institute
Abstract
The discussion in this research paper is focused on the criminology The study delves deeply into the factors that contribute to an individual’s decision to commit a crime, as well as the various responses that ensue following the commission of said crime, whether it be evasion, apprehension, or court proceedings. If an is competent to stand trial, whether or not an offender was sane/insane at the time of the offence. It reflects the accused’s psychological state at the present time. The “mentally deficient” were regarded intellectually and morally ineffectual of adapting to modern society. The government has taken measures to prevent crime, but there has been no genuine attempt to address the alarming increase in crime in recent years. Researchers link criminality to emotional illness and actively support. Clinical treatment as a solution to crime Biological positivism is the belief that these criminals and their criminal behavior stem from “chemical deficiencies” or “abnormalities” in the brain. Or can say faulty genes. The Four Roles of Criminal Psychologists during investigation and taking interviews of victims. In this research paper the psychological observational case study of famous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Criminology studies in this regard should take these dimensions into consideration for a full understanding of the implications of criminal psychologist. Expert practitioner criminologist required in justice system, as every criminal cannot categorized under mental illness.
Keywords
Criminal justice, criminology, psychology
Introduction
One of the most noticeably awful things that exists in our society is wrongdoing. Criminology is an abstract of sociology and philosophy that traditionally studies human behavior, interaction, and organization. Criminologists mainly contribute their numerous theoretical factors which related with wrong doing in surroundings. They are committed to studying not only the origins of criminal behavior, but also its societal underpinnings and repercussions. The ultimate goal of criminology is to understand the core causes of criminal conduct and to establish effective and humane ways of prevention. Criminal psychology, is the study of criminals’ wills, thoughts, intentions, and reactions, as well as all other influencing criminal behavior whether psychopath or sociopath. It pertains to the field of criminal anthropology. The study delves into the factors that lead individuals to commit criminal acts, as well as the subsequent responses following the commission of a crime, including evading capture or facing legal proceedings in court.Criminal psychologists are frequently summoned to appear as expert witnesses in court proceedings in order to assist the jury in comprehending the thought processes and behavior of criminals or individuals with psychopathic tendencies.Some branches of psychiatry also focus on aspects of criminal behavior. Generally speaking, criminological arguments belong to one of four orders: classical, natural, cerebral(biological), or social1 . According to biological theories, some inherited natural factors determine it partially. According to cerebral propositions, nonage gests and parenting are similar factors that lead to felonious geste. According to sociological theories, institutional oppression and informal social restrictions are just two examples of the many community elements that have a significant role in explaining crime. Advances in criminology can benefit the felonious justice system in a number of ways, including how crime is responded to and how offenders and victims are treated. It has also introduced some advancements in police techniques and practices, comparable as community- acquainted policing. Criminal psychology studies everything that is related to criminal criminals.Criminal’s reaction after wrong doing. This very answered is by criminal psychologists. Psychiatrists and psychologists are licensed professionals who assess both mental and physical states. Profilers examine whether an offender was sane or insane by identifying patterns in their behavior. A collaborative effort is made to address the prevalent psychological inquiries: If there exists a possibility of a sexual offender reoffending upon reintroduction to society; In the event that the criminal is found to be able for trial in the court ; and examine the criminal’s state of intellect at the time the wrongdoing was committed as per the criminal procedural code.The issue of jurisdiction is related to the current state of mind of the offender. This assessment evaluates the offender’s capacity to comprehend the charges filed against them, the potential ramifications of being found guilty or innocent of said charges, and their competence to aid their legal counsel in their defense.In the early years of the 20th century, psychologists initiated an examination of criminal behaviors from a psychological standpoint and delved into conjecture regarding the root causes of criminal activity. Psychologists, such as Goddard, have consistently discovered that the majority of juvenile and adult offenders are considered to be “mentally deficient. “. The individuals who were classified as “mentally deficient” were believed to possess both intellectual and moral shortcomings that hindered their ability to effectively integrate into contemporary societal norms.
Literature Review
The government has taken measures to prevent crime , but there has been no genuine attempt to address the alarming increase in crime in recent years. Some have to made in this direction. Researchers often associate culpability with psychological issue and Medical care as an approach of deterring crime. Many sane criminals may have minor mental illnesses that go unnoticed due to lack of access to a competent psychiatrist. After committing an unlawful act, mentally ill individuals may be treated in mental hospitals or held in prisons; however, this is only applicable to people with severe psychological disorders. Mental illnesses are often poorly defined, but all are commonly identified as such. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and classify correctly and judge accordingly. Lawyers, judges, social workers, probation officers, police and doctors not only need to know about mental illness and the law, but also about the support, care and treatment options available for the mentally ill. For example, a judge may have to deal with a case of mental illness; in this case, medical experts will be in a better position to diagnose mental illness and thus strongly recommend that the accused undergo treatment.
Under criminology three main theory of criminals’ examination mentioned: Chicago, Positivist, and Classical. According to the positivist school of thought, variables both internal and external to an individual’s control cause criminal behaviour. The fundamental doctrine of this school of thinking is that criminals are born, not formed; it also endorses theory argument between nature versus nurture. Additionally, they contend that criminal behavior is intrinsic to an individual.. Published under book named ‘The Criminal Man’ Lombrosso studied 383 Italian.He proposed that there are three categories of offenders among the prisoners. Insane criminals with schizophrenia, mentally degenerates, and born criminals were all present. Additionally, he investigated and discovered particular physical traits. A few instances were abnormally large ears, optical abnormalities and anomalies, and aesthetic asymmetry. Biological is the belief that these criminals and their criminal behaviour stem from “chemical imbalances” or “abnormalities” within the brain or the DNA due to basic internal “defects” or can say faulty genes. The idea of psychological holds that criminal behaviour, or the motivation behind it, comes from inside. In contrast to biological, which holds that criminals are by nature criminals, psychological theory acknowledges that internal variables are the outcome.The individual may exhibit behaviors influenced by a variety of external factors, including but not limited to abusive parents, abusive relationships, and drug problems. Social, often referred to as Sociological, delves into the theory that criminals are shaped by society.different theories by sociologist that low income levels, high poverty/unemployment rates, and poor educational systems are factors that contribute to the creation and perpetuation of criminals and crimes.
Itis fundamentally indicative that components of an individual’s persona exhibit characteristics that mirror those often exhibited by criminals, including neuroticism, anti-social tendencies, and aggressive behaviors. There is a lack of evidence substantiating a causal relationship between these specific personality traits and engaging in criminal activities., but there is a correlation Sociological positivism theory suggests societal factors such as poverty, , or inadequate education can make a person more likely to commit wrongdoing. Adolphe Quetelet investigated the connection between sociological variables and crime using data and statistical analysis .Mostly it is observed that significant factors for crimal act included age, gender, poverty, education, and alcohol use. Lance Lochner conducted experiment related to positive impact of education on lowering crime. The Chicago School of thinking was established with the intention of attributing human behaviors to societal systems. Because it effectively adopts the position of defending criminals and criminal actions, this idea might be related to or applied within the field of criminology. The defense and argument rest on the idea that these individuals and the things they do are a product of society rather than their own shortcomings of standard of living. Consequently, some disheartened people would resort to illegal measures (crime) in order to accomplish their dreams if the societal structure of opportunity is not equally and keeps the majority from doing so. Some will withdraw or abandon themselves into fringe groups (such gang members Robert Agnew expanded with money problems. This is known as general strain theory A simple example: Someone wants a big business empire but does not have the means to start one. Strong self-control people wait, refuse what they want, or find a wise middle ground.A person lacking self-control might try to obtain the business empire by illegally means without violating social norms like involving in drug and weapon racket or sex scandal. Psychoanalysis which regards the unconscious mind,far away from repressed thoughts or memories as the key drivers of behaviour, especially dyfunctional behaviour . Sigmund Freud theory on unconscious crave the Pleasure Principle,he also suggested that unconscious neuro impulses such as ‘repetition compulsion’ and a ‘death instinct’ can overwhelm person’s inventiveness , leads to self-destructive atittude, actually traumatic unconscious crave which corresponds to them having thoughts and sentiments which are not reflections of their genuine selves. Yes there is sufficient relationship between this unconscious state of intellect and guilt to suggest causation. This evident in the physical mechanisms of the human brain and the nervous system, connection between an unconscious desire for pain or punishment and the drive to commit crime or dyfunctional behavior.
Methodology
This research uses a qualitative case study method to examine the crime rate in society. The paper’s research design entails the examination of major strategies in the field of mental health, illness disorders, using several theories of expert psychologist, including crime rates surveys and root cause of crime surveys. The results are discussed in terms of prevention of crimes policies and the study’s limitations include generalizability and data availability.
Results
What actually criminologist do?
Researching evidence on crime scene
Evaluate victim behaviour
Advising parole boards
Statistical analysis for prisoner profiling
psychological testing
Appearing in court as an expert witness.
The Four Roles of Criminal Psychologists
In 1981, one of the fathers of K’s criminal psychology Professor Lionel Haward described four ways that psychologist may perform upon being professionally involved in criminal proceedings.
These are the following:
(1) Clinical. -the psychologist is involved in appraisal and person in arrange to supply a clinical judgment. The clinician can utilize evaluation apparatuses, meet or psychometric device in other competitive organs decide how to prepare the person in arrange to help in his/her evaluation.
(2) Experimental. -A psychologist’s task is to do research in a concerned particular case. This may carrying out experimental trials to support a claim or give judges further details.
(3) Advisory. – a psychologist may suggest the police on how to carry out their inquiry. For example Techniques of best cross-examine.
(3) Profiling. – Five behavioural characteristics that can be gleaned from the crime scene are described (a) amount of planning that went into the crime; (b) degree of control used by the offender, (d) escalation of emotion at the scene ; (e) risk level of both offender and victim ;(f) disorganisation and organisation of crime scene.
Courts: In the field of criminal justice, professionals main task is evaluating the competency of individuals. This assessment typically involves determining whether the individual is capable of standing judicial proceedings, making legal decisions autonomously. Evaluations are also conducted when the defendant exhibits signs of a mental deficit, mental disability, or psychiatric disorder.The defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense may also necessitate assessment by psychologists.
Correctional systems. A few criminal analysts work in jails, correctional facilites and adolescent adjustment offices or psychiatric healing centers. They may be included in a assortment of parts, such as helpful mediation, determination, psychometric testing and so on. Their assessments can be imperative to future paroles.
Discussion
The past has been permanently altered by the terrifying realm of serial killers, which has exposed the most sinister aspects of human psychology. Even in India, a country with a wide variety of cultures and legends, serial murder is a terrible crime. Laws that both identify and appropriately address psychopaths have previously been enacted in the United States and the United Kingdom. Appropriate awareness is also present, allowing them to recognize those types of offenders and be more mindful of their safety. Numerous incidents involving mental illness, incest, serial homicides, and other violent and sexual crimes have been documented worldwide; however, none involving psychopaths; instead, some of these cases are sociopaths. A case study of “ Jeffrey Dahmer” called a serial killer born on 1960 as his childhood was oftenly isolated, both of his parents were into depression and fought constantly throughout their marriage so Jeffrey had difficult childhood. Psychologist’s observation shows he had lack of attachment as his mother left him with his younger brother when he was around 17 years old , that was really shocking for him, he was painfully shy and withdrawn, He displayed an interest in dead animals dissecting carcasses, collecting chicken bones and bleaching them, further he stated during his interview he found this process excited him.
This is a common trait among serial killers the animal abuse, setting fires. This was result of childhood trauma due to lack of attachment. Children can’t express themselves whats bothering them, they usually shift their hidden emotion in unnatural things that’s their cry for help. Dahmer’s trauma and fascination with dead animals began to interact with his blossoming sexuality, he become obsessed with having control and power, around this time he realised that he was gay which made him feel ashamed and confused, he was as usual lonely, conflicted, had lack of attachment. These kinds of things sets the ground work where he become serial killer. Thoughts of violence and intermingled with sex just got worse and worse can’t share with anybody kept in his inside. Fantasies about killing young man overtime become his behaviour. This was the time when LGBTQ was not recognised. Criminal Psychologist explained this condition called “Paraphilia”. His first murder at age of 17 after 10 years he resumes killing men and boys, he picked them up at gay bars bath houses and porn shops and takes them back to his apartment for a drink, where he unconsciously kills them and have sex with them, here question arises in between 10 years how did he control his fantasies obsessive thoughts, he also stated in his interview about he used to go to funerals and at night he digs out the dead body and fulfil his fantasies. He starts eating flesh of victims, he also eats their internal organs and genitals. Purpose behind doing this he wanted to become normal as they were, Dead bodies don’t talk and not rejected him. Further he stated all of victim become physically part of them. He surrounded his dining table with skulls and assumed them as his friends, they all become emotionally part of him. The question was asked to the expert criminal psychologist Was he a born killer or made one? Jeffrey Dahmer was not a psychopath but a sociopath.
Limitations
Despite all the insights that have been earned from this study, a few limitations need to be discussed. First, since this research is qualitative in nature, findings cannot be generalized across all contexts or populations. These may present challenges to the implementation of all initiatives proposed in the criminology vs criminal justice. Further studies in this regard should take these dimensions into consideration for a full understanding of the implications of criminal psychologist. Expert practitioner criminologist required in justice system, as every criminal cannot categorized under mental illness.
Conclusion
Serial killer with severe psychological disorder ought to be appropriately recognized by the society. U.K., California 18 and numerous other states in US have passed a uncommon statute for mental cases. Psychopathic and sociopath behavior is an unidentified and unrevealed range in our legal framework. The step ought to be taken by our legitimate framework to teach the open and government almost this unsafe infection. Now a day schools have introduced new subject called Psychology where they studied about mental disorders as they significantly studied about physical illness It is pointless to subject them to such a horrible punishment as the death penalty or life in jail as they are incapable of understanding the meaning of the word “guilt.” Therefore, it ought to be required that this kind of behaviour be taken into consideration right away, and as part of routine practice, such criminals ought to be put through a medical examination that includes a psychoanalysis. As per procedure almost every offender is subjected to a clinical test and a psychiatric test in selected cases. Psychopaths have the drawback of appearing to be trial-ready. Since the early 19th century, there has been a widespread belief that there is a connection between mental disease and criminality. Among those who suffer, irrationality of conduct as well as disruptions in cognition and perception are frequent.
References/Bibliography
• NCERT book of Psychology 11th and 12th.
• Interview of Jeffrey Dahmer.
• Criminal Psychology book by Dr. S.R Myneni.
• Manu patra Journal on psychopath behaviour.
References as per Bluebook 20th edition for all the citations.
FAQS
What are some challenges to the criminal justice system in India?
The criminal justice system is responsible for identifying crimes and the procedures related to detaining, prosecuting, and punishing those who have been convicted.
What is the importance of a fair trial?
it protects people from arbitrary deprivation of their rights and freedoms, and it helps ensure that the legal system is fair.
What is the role of criminologists?
They are criminal psychologist involves in Researching evidence on crime scene
What is criminology?
Criminology is an abstract of sociology and philosophy that traditionally studies human behavior, interaction, and organization.
