- Published: October 1, 2022
- Updated: October 1, 2022
- Level: Doctor of Philosophy
- Language: English
- Downloads: 16
Criminological Theory and Sanctions Answer to question While considering the various criminological theories, it would be appropriate to weigh in the reason why an individual has committed a particular crime when passing any sentencing. This is so since some individuals may not be controlling themselves, when they are committing a crime. For instance, when individuals commit the crime of murder, it would be unfair to give the same sentence to both; a person whose reason for crime is explained by psychological theory and a person whose reason for crime is explained by sociological theory. The above is best exemplified when taking into account the “ Social Process Theories” (Lilly, Francis & Richard 24). Through social process theories, it would be understood that, a criminal with psychological problems would lack the “ inner containment”, which results in an unstable mind, and thus, a lack of “ outer containment” too. However, an individual whose crime is explained through sociological theory is stable in mind and does not lack “ inner or outer containment”. Therefore, the reason for committing a crime should be considered when imposing a criminal sanction.
Response to student
I agree with my classmate that the reason for any criminal act should be taken into consideration when giving a criminal sentence. As stated from the response, psychological problems are the main reasons as to why the level of crime should be considered in a court of law. My classmate has gone to the extent of explaining that, probably a mentally ill patient might have missed being treated, and this would have caused the current criminal state. My classmate has based the argument on a criminological psychological theory, which is good. However, she could have included another criminological theory to explain the question better.
Works Cited
Lilly, J R, Francis T. Cullen, and Richard A. Ball. Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications, 2011. Print.