Which type of offender did Cesare Lombroso consider to be an evolutionary throwback?

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Study for the Criminological Theory Exam. Assess your understanding with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and confidently for your exam!

Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the father of criminology, proposed that certain criminals are "born criminals," meaning they possess physical and psychological traits that are indicative of a primitive or earlier stage of human evolution. He believed these individuals represented an evolutionary throwback, suggesting that their criminal behavior was rooted in biological factors rather than sociocultural influences or rational choices.

Lombroso's research involved measuring the physical characteristics of criminals, such as skull shape and facial features, to establish a link between these traits and criminality. He theorized that born criminals could be identified by specific anatomical anomalies, which he interpreted as evidence of their atavistic nature. This starkly contrasts with other types of offenders who may commit crimes due to circumstances, learned behavior, or other social influences, indicating that born criminals were inherently predisposed to criminality.

The other categories of offenders, such as habitual or occasional criminals, do not fit Lombroso's model of atavism, as they are typically viewed as products of their environment and experiences, rather than as individuals whose criminality is determined by inherent biological factors. Thus, the concept of "born criminals" is central to Lombroso's theory of criminal anthropology and aligns with his belief in the links between biology

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