- The text mentions some Biological Theories of
Crime.
Internet Exercise: Go
to the website (www.ncjrs.org)
and define three of these type of theories on crime causation.
- In some instances, children kill their parents
according to your text.
Internet Exercise: Go
to the website (www.violentkids.com/violence-articles)
and try and summarize what the reasons are for this phenomenon in the U.S.
- In this chapter, there is mention of a defense
used in a criminal case called the "Twinkie Defense".
Internet Exercise:
Go to the website (www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdimcapacity.html)
And discuss who was the defendant, and what was the main premise for this
defense strategy.
- In the 1970’s, there was a killer named "Son
of Sam" as mentioned in this chapter.
Internet Exercise: Go
to the website (www.crimelibrary.com/serial/son/sonmain.htm)
and research who the killer was, why he received this nickname, and what were
the reasons for his killing spree. Were they psychologically motivated by
something?
- The following web site provides access to an informative essay on phrenology:
Internet Exercise: Go to (skepdic.com/phren.html)
- Are there any sound, contemporary applications of phrenology? Why or why not?
- Based upon your assessment of the contents of this web site, do you think biological perspectives on criminal behavior have any utility? Why or why not?
- The following web site provides a number of different links to the psychology of "killing teams":
Internet Exercise: Go to (www.crimelibrary.com/thecriminalmind.htm)
- Based on your exploration of the links provided, construct a brief, descriptive profile of the "killing team."
- How may the major psychological perspectives on crime be applied toward understanding "killing teams?"
