Crime and Its Causes

by William Douglas Morrison

"Crime and Its Causes" by William Douglas Morrison is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the complex phenomena surrounding crime, aiming to investigate the underlying causes that contribute to criminal behavior, as well as society's responses to it. Through a rigorous examination of data and social factors, Morrison seeks to inform better criminal justice policies and understand widely shared misconceptions about crime. The opening of the work sets a foundation for understanding crime from a scientific perspective, highlighting the necessity of a systematic approach to criminology. Morrison discusses the historical lack of reliable crime statistics, which impeded earlier efforts to detect patterns in crime and the effectiveness of punishments. He argues that while economic conditions like poverty are often blamed for crime, they are only partly responsible, asserting that mental and physical health, the characteristics of individuals, and broader social contexts also play crucial roles. With a focus on refining methodologies, Morrison introduces key concepts that will be examined in detail throughout subsequent chapters.