16.3.1 Historical Approach (Atavistic Form)

• Who proposed the atavistic form theory?

  Cesare Lombroso
• The atavistic form theory suggests that offenders inherit physical traits indicative of an evolutionary throwback to primitive ancestors
• A prominent jaw is considered an atavistic trait according to Lombroso's theory.
• Match the atavistic trait with its description:

  Prominent jaw ↔️ Strong and protruding mandible

  High cheekbones ↔️ Elevated cheek structure

  Large ears ↔️ Unusually big ears
• The presence of tattoos is considered an atavistic trait by Lombroso.
• What philosophical school influenced Lombroso's thinking?

  Positivism
• Positivism emphasized the use of empirical observation and scientific methods
• Lombroso believed that atavistic features indicated a biological regression to earlier evolutionary stages.
• In what century was the atavistic form theory developed?

  Late 19th century
• Lombroso's background as a physician allowed him to meticulously document physical traits
• The atavistic form theory was proposed by Cesare Lombroso
• The atavistic form theory suggests that offenders inherit physical traits indicative of an evolutionary throwback to primitive ancestors.
• What is meant by a "prominent jaw" in the atavistic form theory?

  Strong and protruding mandible
• The atavistic form theory posits that certain physical traits predispose individuals to criminal behavior
• Positivism influenced Lombroso's development of the atavistic form theory.
• Who were the key proponents of criminological theories before Lombroso?

  Beccaria and Bentham
• The historical context of the late 19th century, with its scientific advancements, helped Lombroso's theory gain traction
• The atavistic form theory suggests offenders possess distinct physical traits indicating an evolutionary throwback to primitive ancestors.
• What did Lombroso believe the atavistic traits signified in offenders?

  Biological regression
• The atavistic form theory proposes that certain physical traits reflect an evolutionary throwback to primitive ancestors
• Positivism emphasized empirical observation and scientific methods to understand human behavior.
• What marked Lombroso's work as a significant departure from previous criminological theories?

  Focus on biological factors
• The atavistic form theory has been largely discredited
• The atavistic form theory was proposed by Cesare Lombroso.
• What did Lombroso believe atavistic features signified in offenders?

  Biological regression
• One strength of the atavistic form theory is that it pioneered the biological approach to criminology
• The atavistic form theory is overly deterministic and simplistic.
• What did the atavistic form theory fail to consider in its explanation of criminal behavior?

  Social factors
• The atavistic form theory implies determinism, which suggests that individuals lack personal responsibility
• The atavistic form theory can result in stigmatization of individuals with certain physical traits.
• The atavistic form theory implies determinism, suggesting that individuals are predisposed to criminal behavior based on their physical traits
• The atavistic form theory suggests individuals are fully responsible for their criminal behavior.

  False
• The atavistic form theory can lead to stigmatization of individuals with certain physical characteristics
• The atavistic form theory may promote discrimination by implying certain groups are more prone to criminal behavior.
• Match the ethical concern with its implication:

  Determinism ↔️ Lack of personal responsibility

  Stigmatization ↔️ Social exclusion

  Discrimination ↔️ Unfair treatment of certain groups
• If a person has a prominent jaw, they might be unfairly judged as being more likely to commit a crime.
• The atavistic form theory suggests that physical traits alone determine criminal behavior.
• Order the ethical concerns of the atavistic form theory from most immediate to most long-term:

  1️⃣ Lack of personal responsibility

  2️⃣ Social exclusion

  3️⃣ Unfair treatment of certain groups
• Having a prominent jaw might lead to social and legal discrimination