By Akansha Gupta
The factors that lead to criminal conspiracy
Any act or omission that violates
the law and is subject to punishment by the legal system is called a crime. It
encompasses a wide range of behaviours, from minor offenses like petty theft to
serious crimes such as murder. Legally, crimes are further divided into
different categories, such as cognizable and non-cognizable or bailable and
non-bailable, depending on the nature of the offense and the legal response it requires.
A criminal is an individual who has been convicted of committing a crime. Criminal behaviour is not limited to a specific demographic or background; it can be exhibited by people from various social, economic, and cultural groups. The study of criminals involves understanding their motives, patterns of behaviour, and the factors that contribute to their engagement in illegal activities. Criminologists seek to analyse the characteristics of criminals to develop profiles that aid in crime prevention, criminal justice, and rehabilitation efforts.
Understanding why individuals engage in criminal behaviour involves examining a complex interplay of various factors.
· Individual Factors : Some theories suggest that biological factors, such as genetics and brain structure, may contribute to criminal tendencies.
· Psychological Factors: Individual psychological traits, such as personality disorders, mental health issues, etc.
· Social Factors : like the family environment, including parenting styles, family structure, and socioeconomic status, if not done correctly, can influence criminal behaviour. Example – Childhood trauma causes a lot of crimes.
· Peer Influence: Social interactions and peer groups can have a significant impact on an individual's behaviour.
· Educational Opportunities: Limited access to education and low educational attainment can be associated with criminal behaviour.
Patterns of crime are not merely coincidences; they often stem from underlying motives, psychological tendencies, and personal circumstances. Research in psychology shows that offenders are frequently shaped by mental health conditions that alter their perceptions and behaviors. For example, individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) often display a lack of empathy, disregard for social rules, and manipulative traits, making them prone to criminal acts. Similarly, those struggling with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder may experience violent impulses or suicidal-homicidal ideations that influence their actions. In cases of schizophrenia or psychosis, delusions and hallucinations can distort reality to such an extent that crimes are committed under imagined threats or divine commands. Meanwhile, people with impulse control disorders may act out in sudden episodes of theft, arson, or aggression, without logical planning or foresight. A notorious example that illustrates the psychological dimension of crime is the case of a 28-year-old man from Europe, nicknamed the “Caramel Killer.”
· Background: The man had a troubled childhood with parental neglect and was later diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and impulse control issues.
· Modus Operandi: His crime pattern involved offering sweets, specifically caramel candies, to young children in public parks. This harmless-appearing gesture made him trustworthy in the eyes of the victims. He would then lure them to secluded areas.
· Psychological Motive: Investigators found that the caramel was a symbol of his own lost childhood innocence, as he had suffered abuse during that time. His crimes were not only acts of violence but also psychological re-enactments of his own trauma.
· Outcome: The offender was eventually apprehended through psychological profiling, as his repetitive pattern and symbolic behaviour gave crucial leads. The case demonstrated how deep-rooted psychological disorders can create identifiable crime patterns, aiding both prevention and investigation.
Criminal behaviour is never shaped by one factor alone; it is the convergence of psychological, biological, and social elements. By analysing crime patterns and underlying mental disorders, criminologists and forensic experts can better predict, prevent, and rehabilitate offenders. The case of the “Caramel Killer” reminds us that behind every crime lies a human mind—sometimes disturbed, sometimes conditioned, but always worth understanding if society truly aims for justice and reform
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