Essay: The Study of Crime

Sample Essay

Crime is defined as an act committed or omitted in violation of a law forbidding or commanding it and for which punishment is imposed upon conviction. In layman’s language, crime can be simply defined as unlawful activity. Criminology on the other hand is the study of crime, the response of society to it, its prevention which includes the examination of environmental, psychological, or hereditary causes of crime, modes of criminal investigation and conviction and the efficacy of punishment or correction. This study despite being considered as a sociological branch also draws on the findings of economics and psychology as well as other disciplines which investigate humans and their environment.

Environmental factors

Various weather and environmental parameters such as prolonged high temperatures, humidity, wind, pollution of air and water and living conditions such as density of settlement areas greatly influence human behavior and the susceptibility to crime. Previous studies conducted in France, UK, and the United States have proved that assault, mortality rates, murder, robbery and suicide were high following high temperature associated with the combination of other meteorological parameters and environmental pollution (Wilson & Richard, 1998, p.30). It is believed that toxic metals break down the inhibition mechanism in the brain, causing violent urges to be inadequately controlled.

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