Criminology and Forensic Psychology/Ref: question

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Expert: - 5/15/2011


Question
Good day
What are the main causes of criminal behavior? How can one transform a criminal into a saint and are there any societies free of criminal behavior and if so which ones and why?
Regards,
Sunil Mahabir
Pembroke Pines, Florida

Answer
Hi, Sunil, thanks for you question. I really cannot do it justice, because it is so broad, that it would take a library of books to do it justice. Thus, I will give you a brief summary.

What are the main causes of criminal behavior?
No one knows what 'causes' behavior, let alone criminal behavior. However, we do know that it is influenced by all sorts of things, from genetics, to physiology, to personality, family, community, and society.

How can one transform a criminal into a saint?
This question cannot be answered because no one is perfectly good or evil.

are there any societies free of criminal behavior?
I doubt this is possible because all societies define at least some unwanted behavior. It is also difficult to answer, because of the various definitions of 'crimina;

Bruce  

Criminology and Forensic Psychology

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Volunteer

Bruce Borkosky, Psy.D.

Expertise

Any questions in the area of Forensic Psychology. I am not a criminologist nor an FBI Behavioral Analyst. "WHY" questions are particularly difficult to answer scientifically (i.e., why do people commit crimes?).

Experience

I have been doing forensic psychology for 15+ years, both evaluations, and treatment. I have particularly focused on disability evaluations and criminal competency.

Organizations
American Psychological Association International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology

Publications
BruceBorkosky.blogger.com

Education/Credentials
B.A. psychology, B.A., music, Ohio Wesleyan U., 1978 MCS, computer science, University of Dayton, 1984 M.A., psychology, Miami Inst. of Psychology, 1991 Psy.D., psychology, Miami Inst. of Psychology, 1993 post doctoral training in Neuropsychology, Fielding Institute, 1995-1997

Awards and Honors
I donate some of my time and expertise to the less fortunate, thru legal aid services. In 1999, I received an award from the Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society, for the work I've done for them.

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