Subject
Criminal anthropology Books
Best books
Hans Gross
Criminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and Students
"Criminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and Students" by Hans Gross is a scientific publication likely written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a comprehensive guide on the psychological aspects of criminal behavior and the judicial process, focusing on the mental states of judges, witnesses, jurors, and offenders to enhance the understanding of crime and its implications for justice. The opening of the work establishes the importance of applying psychology to the field of criminal law, arguing that understanding human behavior, perception, and the influences on testimony are crucial for effective legal proceedings. Gross outlines the critical role of judges in discerning truth from witness testimony and delves into the complexities of psychological conditions that can affect evidence gathering and interpretation. He emphasizes the need for judges to be aware of the psychological traits influencing both witnesses and criminals, which serves as a foundation for the discussions that follow throughout the text.
Gina Lombroso
Criminal Man, According to the Classification of Cesare Lombroso
"Criminal Man, According to the Classification of Cesare Lombroso" by Gina Lombroso-Ferrero is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work summarizes the theories of Cesare Lombroso, who is known for his controversial views on criminality being rooted in physical and psychological traits. The book examines the characteristics of different types of criminals, emphasizing the idea that some individuals might be "born criminals," shaped by both hereditary and environmental factors. At the start of this work, the introduction offers insights into Cesare Lombroso's journey in establishing a scientific approach to understanding criminal behavior, contrasting it with traditional punitive systems. Lombroso's observations on the physical anomalies observed in criminals, such as skull deformities and other characteristic traits, are presented as evidence supporting his hypothesis of atavism—that certain criminals are evolutionary throwbacks to earlier states of human development. Through detailed observations and case studies, the opening lays the groundwork for a more in-depth exploration of criminal anthropology, setting up the themes and scientific inquiries that will be extensively examined throughout the book.
Cesare Lombroso
L'uomo delinquente in rapporto all'antropologia, alla giurisprudenza ed alla psichiatria (Cause e rimedi)
"L'uomo delinquente" by Cesare Lombroso is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the intersection of crime, anthropology, jurisprudence, and psychiatry, exploring the causes and potential remedies for criminal behavior. Lombroso argues against the prevailing views—that criminals are irrevocably destined for crime—by examining various contributing factors, including environmental and social influences. The opening of the text establishes Lombroso's aim to address critiques of his previous work by clearly outlining the multi-faceted roots of crime. He begins by discussing the influence of environmental factors, such as excessive heat, on human behavior and crime rates. Using historical and statistical data, he notes how meteorological conditions might contribute to acts of violence and rebellion, emphasizing that these acts are not solely determined by individual morality but rather by a complex interplay of situational stimuli. Lombroso's approach suggests that understanding these influences is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies in dealing with criminality.
Havelock Ellis
The Criminal
"The Criminal" by Havelock Ellis is a book published in 1890. This groundbreaking work introduces criminal anthropology to British readers, exploring whether criminals are born with physical abnormalities that predict their behavior. Drawing heavily on Cesare Lombroso's controversial theories, Ellis examines skull shapes, facial features, moral sensibility, and hereditary traits to understand criminal nature. The book addresses fundamental questions about punishment and whether criminality stems from physical destiny or personal choice, challenging Victorian assumptions about crime and justice.
Enrico Ferri
Criminal Sociology
"Criminal Sociology" by Enrico Ferri is a criminological work originally published in 1884. This influential text represents the positive school of criminology, shifting focus from crime itself to the criminal as a product of physical and social environment. Ferri examines criminal anthropology, statistical patterns of criminal behavior, and proposes practical reforms for penal legislation. The work combines anthropological research with criminal statistics and law, challenging traditional theological and ethical perspectives in favor of physical and social science approaches to understanding crime causation and prevention.
Hans Kurella
Cesare Lombroso, a modern man of science
"Cesare Lombroso, a Modern Man of Science" by Hans Kurella is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the life and contributions of Cesare Lombroso, an influential figure in criminology and criminal anthropology, while also highlighting his impact on societal perceptions of crime and criminal behavior. Through an exploration of Lombroso's research, the book presents a nuanced view of his legacy, discussing both his scientific methodologies and his role as a reformer in criminology. The opening of the work sets the stage for an in-depth examination of Lombroso’s early life, influences, and academic development. It outlines his origins in a family troubled by socio-political upheaval and economic decline, framing Lombroso as a rebellious thinker shaped by the revolutionary spirit of his youth. Kurella introduces the reader to the significant figures who influenced Lombroso's scientific ethos, including those from the fields of French positivism and German materialism. Overall, the opening portion of the book emphasizes the formative experiences and intellectual currents that shaped Lombroso into a pioneering figure in the study of criminal anthropology.
Michele Longo
Psicologia criminale
"Psicologia criminale" by Michele Longo is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work explores the intersection of psychology and criminal law, particularly focusing on the psychological aspects that underpin criminal behavior and the development of the concept of criminality. Longo aims to establish a systematic understanding of criminal psychology, laying foundational theories that delve into the motivations and mental frameworks of criminals. The opening section introduces the author's intent to consolidate widespread notions surrounding criminal psychology into a cohesive framework. Longo discusses the nature of crime through a lens of psychological evolution and social interaction, positing that understanding criminal behavior requires analyzing the dynamics between individual tendencies and societal norms. He outlines the book's structure, mentioning that it will be divided into general principles of criminal psychology, the influence of environmental factors on crime, and a special focus on the psychological factors behind specific criminal acts. The initial chapters set the stage for a deeper investigation into the roots of criminal conduct and the balance between individual psychological states and societal expectations.
Enrico Ferri
The Positive School of Criminology Three Lectures Given at the University of Naples, Italy on April 22, 23 and 24, 1901
"The Positive School of Criminology" by Enrico Ferri is a scientific publication likely written in the early 20th century. The text introduces the emerging field of positive criminology, emphasizing the need for a scientific understanding of criminality that goes beyond classical theories, which treated crime primarily as a moral failing. Ferri seeks to explore the sociological and psychological roots of crime, advocating for a fresh approach to the criminal justice system that considers environmental and biological influences on criminal behavior. The opening portion of the lectures reveals Ferri’s deep commitment to disseminating scientific knowledge about crime and its causes. He highlights a stark contrast between the successes of natural sciences in addressing health issues and the growing moral diseases represented by increasing crime rates. Ferri critiques the classical school of criminology for its narrow focus on legal definitions and moral guilt, positing instead that crime is shaped by a combination of anthropological, social, and environmental factors. He expresses the belief that addressing these underlying causes will lead to more humane and effective remedies for crime, ultimately transforming the penal system into one focused on social welfare rather than retribution. The lectures set the stage for a thorough exploration of how criminology can evolve into a discipline that seeks to understand and mitigate the roots of criminal behavior rather than simply punishing it.
James Devon
The Criminal & the Community
"The Criminal & the Community" by James Devon is a non-fiction work written in the early 20th century. It delves into the complex relationship between crime and societal factors, exploring the causes of criminal behavior and advocating for more humane approaches to criminal treatment. Overall, the book emphasizes that the treatment of criminals is primarily a social issue rather than strictly a medical one. The opening of the volume sets the stage for an informed discussion on the need for reform in the way society addresses crime and punishment. Devon argues that the current system inadequately serves both offenders and society, as it fails to account for the unique circumstances surrounding each individual case. He highlights how societal conditions, such as poverty and lack of support, contribute significantly to criminality while asserting that a deeper understanding of social interdependence is essential for meaningful reforms. This introduction shapes a critical exploration of the themes and findings that will follow in the subsequent chapters.
Recently surfaced classics