Biochemical explanations

• key idea of biochemical explanations

  Biochemical factors may trigger criminal behaviour by affecting brain chemistry and mental processes
• strength of biochemical explanations

  • Sexual hormones, blood sugar levels and substance abuse can affect mood, judgement and aggression
  • Testosterone levels and male offending both peak around the same age , suggesting hormones affect criminal behaviour
  • Alcohol produces disinhibition reducing self control and leading to criminal behaviour
  • Biochemical factors are recognised by the courts.
• Limitation of biochemical factors

  • Biochemical processes may predispose some individuals to offend, but it may require an environmental trigger to cause actual offending
  • Scarmella and Brown found testosterone levels do not greatly affect aggression levels in most men