Examines the Classical and Positivist theories and discusses how they impact the study
of criminal justice. Chapter 2 is the assigned chapter for this week.
For this discussion thread assignment, students should answer the following question:
*Please number your answers #1, #2 as you write them in the Discussion posting.
Cesare Lombroso’s “Theory of the Criminal Man” pointed to body types and physical properties of man as an
explanation for criminal behavior. Although this point of view is no longer supported in the criminal justice field,
it’s essence still tends to exist in the portrayal by some Hollywood movie producers!
Lombroso’s study of the “Criminal Man” (1861) led many to believe that a criminal possessed certain physical
characteristics. Why do you propose that some people today (2020) might still think that criminals can “look” a
certain way? Why would someone still have this idea, in your opinion?
Why is it important to study theories like this that are no longer supported in the field? Provide examples to
support your viewpoint
Sample Solution
