PSY-310-H5687 Criminal Psychology 23EW5: 6-2 Journal: Criminal Prosecution

Question

In this assignment, you will reflect upon the role and limitations of psychological theories in the prosecution of criminals.

What are the limitations of psychological theories in the prosecution of criminals? Does a person’s age impact their motivation or the chances of continuing criminal behavior? Think about your final project assignment. What limitations did you experience as you were developing your report? Can these limitations be addressed or rectified? Explain.

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Answer

Limitations of utilizing psychological theories in the prosecution of criminals

There are various limitations to using psychological theories in criminal prosecution. Firstly, subjective evaluations of a person’s mental state, motivations, and intentions are frequently used in psychological theories. This subjectivity creates the possibility for biases and errors because different psychologists may evaluate the same behavior or evidence differently. This subjectivity may compromise the objectivity necessary for the legal process. Second, psychological theories usually address difficult-to-measure or accurately quantify abstract and complex notions (Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M., 2016). This lack of specificity makes it challenging to apply psychological theories in a legal setting where objective proof and explicit norms are required. Psychological theories might be interpreted differently and applied inconsistently due to their ambiguous character.

The limitations of individuals are another. Observed patterns and general principles in human behavior are the foundation for psychological theories. Individual differences in psychological makeup, life experiences, and environment can, however, limit the applicability of ideas to particular situations. While a theory might be able to explain a person’s conduct, it might not completely explain another person’s motivations or behaviors. This variance makes applying psychological theories universally to all criminal cases difficult. Critical limits also include ethical ones. Psychological theories in criminal prosecution raise concerns about privacy rights and the stigmatization of mental illness. When giving expert testimony, psychologists must abide by ethical standards, yet, these standards may not always address the particular issues that arise in criminal cases (Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M., 2016). It might be challenging to mix sustaining moral principles with efficiently applying psychological ideas.

Addressing Limitations

Addressing and correcting the limitations of using psychological theories in prosecuting offenders require the intervention of certain approaches, even though some may be difficult to overcome. First, efforts can be undertaken to improve objectivity in applying psychological theories. This step might entail the creation of more precise standards for evaluating and interpreting psychological data (Moffitt, 2019). It is essential to ensure that multiple expert viewpoints are considered to lessen individual biases and subjective interpretations. Another strategy to deal with restrictions is interdisciplinary cooperation between psychologists and legal experts.

A more complete and nuanced understanding of criminal behavior can be created by merging the knowledge from both domains. Professionals in the legal field can offer context and advice, while psychologists can shed light on the psychological aspects that may underlie criminal behavior (Moffitt, 2019). This partnership may aid in bridging the gap between psychological theories and legal needs. The growth and improvement of current theories in psychology might also result from continuing study and development. Improving the accuracy, precision, and application of psychological theories to criminal cases can assist in solving limits. Their usefulness in prosecuting criminals can be increased by consistently enhancing and developing psychological theories founded on scientific facts.

Motivational Factors

            Age

Although it is crucial to understand that motivation is a complicated construct influenced by many elements, age can impact a person’s drive level. Older people could be motivated by other motives like financial security or personal situations, whereas younger people might be more prone to impulsive conduct and more vulnerable to peer pressure (Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M., 2016). An individual’s motives may change with age due to priorities, obligations, and social context changes.

            Continued Criminal Behaviour

Age is a key determinant regarding the likelihood of continuing criminal behavior. According to research, criminal activity peaks throughout youth and the first few years of adulthood and diminishes as people age (Moffitt, 2019). This decline is brought on by elements like growing up, taking on more responsibility, and social environment changes. It is important to remember that there are exceptions to this rule and that not all people follow this trajectory. Due to a variety of reasons, including enduring environmental impacts, inherent personality traits, or underlying mental health conditions, some people may continue to engage in criminal behavior regardless of their age.

References

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2016). Criminal behavior (11th Edition). Pearson Education (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780134164366

Moffitt, T. E. (2019). Adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent antisocial behavior: A developmental taxonomy. Psychological Review, 100, 674–701