This paper examines five major criminological theories and their relevance to juvenile delinquency and adult offending. It covers the psychoanalytical theory's focus on unconscious processes and ego development, the Rational Choice Theory's emphasis on agency and deliberate decision-making, the Social Disorganization Theory's attention to neighborhood dynamics, Strain Theory's connection between stress and criminal behavior, and Differential Association Theory's argument that crime is learned through social interaction. For each theory, the paper discusses practical applications for judges and probation officers working within the juvenile and adult justice systems.
Several major criminological theories seek to explain the causes of criminal behavior and juvenile delinquency. These frameworks — ranging from psychoanalytical and rational choice perspectives to social disorganization, strain, and differential association theories — each offer distinct explanations and have practical implications for how judges and probation officers approach offenders in the justice system.
The psychoanalytical theory suggests that unconscious processes of the mind, developed during childhood, control personality and influence behavior. According to the theory, the three main components of personality — the id, the ego, and the superego — work in concordance. When they conflict, the result is maladjusted behavior in children, which may lead to delinquency. According to the psychodynamic perspective, adult offenders who are violent are driven by frustration. Their behavior is a result of being drawn back to events from their childhood. Owing to a negligent upbringing often marked by a lack of love, proper care, and guidance, such individuals develop a weak ego or lack one entirely. There is a close link between these theoretical explanations and juvenile delinquency: dysfunctional conduct leads to criminal acts (Criminal Justice Research, 2010).
In a courtroom setting, a judge can apply the psychoanalytic theory by adjusting the sentencing for an offender. A more stringent penalty would mean that the defendant must remain in confinement longer. An adult probation officer can apply the psychoanalytic theory by identifying the first parole violation and ensuring that the defendant receives punishment proportionate to their crime. A juvenile probation officer, on the other hand, would keep a close watch over juveniles placed under their care. Similarly, if a juvenile violates any rules, they would be held accountable. Such an officer would emphasize the formal processing of the juvenile's conduct from the time the case is reported. The officer would focus on thorough investigation while the defendant is detained, producing concrete reports for the court and judges.
The Rational Choice Theory (RCT) holds that criminal behavior, like non-criminal behavior, is consciously chosen by individuals who believe that crime will yield greater rewards than law-abiding conduct. RCT grants agency to human beings. Juveniles acting out of agency believe they act by choice and will regarding the courses of action they pursue. They see themselves as agents of their own behavior. Agency may also be viewed, from another perspective, as a form of determinism — violent offenders may act not purely out of free will but because some cause has triggered their behavior. For example, a juvenile committing a status offense might choose to consume alcohol or smoke, while a delinquent might engage in criminal acts such as robbery or theft. Such individuals may feel emboldened before their peers when they commit these offenses. They also weigh the social costs of not engaging in such behavior, such as being ridiculed by peers and friends (Criminal Justice Research, 2010).
A judge may apply RCT by arriving at logical conclusions in cases while ensuring that judicial authority remains intact when rendering decisions, thereby guiding society in a constructive direction. In cases involving adult and juvenile offenders, probation officials should understand that despite the causal factors behind an individual's lawbreaking, multiple forces may contribute to such outcomes. They should not simply excuse the actions; rather, they should view their role as one of maintaining security and order.
"Neighborhood dynamics and inherited criminal traditions"
"Stressors and unmet goals as pathways to crime"
"Learning criminal behavior through close social ties"
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