#6 The Formula of Crime Causation

Module #6

Lesson Title: The Formula of Crime Causation

Lesson Objectives:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. identify the types of crime classification; and

2. state briefly the formula of crime causation.

Introduction (2 mins)

Have a tremendous day to you there at your home! Our topic for today is all about “The Formula of Crime Causation.” Do you know what the criminal formula of the existence of crime is? You may ask yourself. If you knew then very well! Yes, our topic on the previous module was all about the Development of Theory. If you’re going to analyze our topic today it is still connected with the previous since today you will uncover the formula of the existence of crime which will later be discussed on theories of crime causation. The learning objectives are: a) you should be able to state briefly the formula of crime causation; and b) judge what element is significant for a crime not to happen. Are you ready? Alright, you may begin with this first activity!

B.MAIN LESSON

Types of Crime Classification

Crime is a generic term which may be referred to as felony when it is punishable by the Revised Penal Code, offense when punishable by the Special Law and misdemeanor when it violated an ordinance. Crime based on the biblical point of view can be considered a sin. When Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit despite the warning of God not to eat that kind of fruit only shows that man by nature is a sinner. We are created by virtue of sin. Logically speaking, all crimes are sin but not all sins are crimes if there is no law punishing such act. Example, it is a sin to get envious, “For where envy and self- seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” James 3:16, but it’s not a crime as long as you have not harmed anybody.

The Normality of Crime

David Emile Durkheim maintained that criminality is a "normal" factor rather than a pathological one. He indicates that crime is found in all societies, "Crime is normal because a society exempt from it is utterly impossible". The "fundamental conditions of social organization-logically imply it." Crime is not due to any imperfection of human nature or society any more than birth or death may be considered abnormal or pathological. It is all a part of the totality of society. "A society exempt from it (crime) would necessitate a standardization of the moral concepts of all individuals which is neither possible nor desirable." Durkheim maintains that crime is not only normal for society but that is necessary. Without crime there could be no evolution in law (https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/jclc/vol49/iss1/2).

Dr. David Abrahamsen's Theory of the Etiology of Criminal Acts 

According to Abrahamsen (Forensic Psychologist), "Crime is a product of the individual's tendencies and the situation' of the moment interacting with his mental resistance. Letting 'C' stand for crime, 'T' for tendencies, 'S' for situation, and 'R' for resistance, we derive the following formula:" Abrahamsen points out that the "T" factor is not simply "aggressive tendencies" since they are present in all men. "T" also refers to aggressive inclinations of an indirect nature; for instance, projections, rebellious hostility towards anyone, protest reactions, or excessive motor activity. A criminal act does not take place solely because of the release of repressed aggression, but may occur also because the offender has built up a defense of aggression which is expressed tangentially by projections, rejection of authority, protest' reactions, etc.

 "S" the situation, is an indeterminate factor in mobilizing the criminal act. As each person has a unique psychological make-up, it follows that only he can achieve a particular aim in a given environment.

“R” the resistance to temptation, it is the ability to control one’s negative emotions, such as bad temperament, anger, etc. According to Abrahamsen, personality reactions in criminals are by nature comparable to those found in a disease." He also claims that a higher incidence of psychosomatic disorders is to be found in the family constellation of the offender than in the family members of psychotic or neurotic patients (Bates, 1949) as cited in (https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/jclc/vol40/iss4).

FAQs

Q1. Is there a crime without a crime scene?

Answer: Yes. Example: Libel, swindling, estafa

Q2. Is sin a crime?

Answer: Not all sins are crimes unless there is a law that punishes the same; however, all crimes are

sins. Example: When you think killing someone but there is no physical act that you did the same there

is no crime but you have committed sin already.