Factors affecting criminal behaviour

WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT CRIME?

Factors
affecting
criminal
behaviour
Self-interest
Psychological
factors
Social factors
Economic
factors
Genetic
theories
Political
factors
Psychological factors

These are often relevant to the commission of an
offence, with many forms of mental illness
affecting a persons behaviour.

These factors will be important:
During the criminal process
The time of arrest or charge

These factors will also be relevant during
sentencing and sentencing programs such as
rehab.
Social factors

This may include:
A persons family situation
Personal relationships
The social group that people associate with
The environment that the person has been raised in
e.g. Abusive homes.
Economic factors

These present one of the most substantial
reasons for the committing of crimes in NSW.

People from disadvantaged backgrounds are
more likely to commit crimes than any other
group.

Poor education and lack of skills will often be
closely related to economic factors. Even if
employed, poorly paid jobs may affect the
likelihood of committing an offence.
Genetic theories

Studies have been conducted to try and find
genetic markers that can predict criminal
behaviour.

None of these studies has been conclusive in
showing that individuals with certain genes are
more likely to commit crimes.

Refer to the hand out Criminals are born not
made
Political factors
Offences against the sovereign or offences
against the state are likely to have some political
factors influencing their commission.

Public order offences such as riots sometimes
have politically motivating factors e.g. Annual
protests at the G8 Summit or 2009 Copenhagen
Climate Change Conference.

Terrorism-related offences are some of the most
extreme political offences.
Self-interest

Some examples include:
Drug offences for profit or use
Property offences for profit
Offences against the person for self-interested
revenge
White-collar crimes e.g. Embezzlement or insider
trading