Historical Explanation

• Lombroso proposed that criminals were genetic throwbacks' - a primitive subspecies wiiwere biologically different from non-criminals. This is the 'atavistic form'.
• Offenders were seen by Lombroso as lacking evolutionary development.

  Their savage and untamed nature meant that they would find it impossible to adjust to civilised society and would inevitably turn to crime.
• Offenders were seen by Lombroso as lacking evolutionary development.

  Their savage and untamed nature meant that they would find it impossible to adjust to civilised society and would inevitably turn to crime.
• Lombroso argued the offender subtype could be identified by their physiological 'markers. These 'atavistic' characteristics are biologically determined.
• Characteristics of the skull (cranium) included:

  • A narrow, sloping brow
  • A strong prominent jaw
  • High cheekbones
  • Facial asymmetry
• Other physical features included dark skin and existence of extra toes, nipple or fingers. Other aspects included insensitivity to pain, use of slang, tattoos and unemployment.
• Lombroso also suggested that particular physiological ‘markers' were linked to particular types of crime.
• Murderers were described as having bloodshot eyes, curly hair and long ears.
• Sexual deviants were described as having glinting eyes with swollen and fleshy lips.
• Lombroso meticulously examined the facial and cranial features of 383 dead convicts and 3839 living ones.

  He concluded that 40% of criminal acts could be accounted for by people with atavistic characteristics.