Case Studies
6. Individual Theories of Crime: A Biosocial Perspective
Jeremy is a junior in high school. He was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in elementary school. His grades have been mediocre but he has had difficulty with concentration and motivation. Jeremy has also been displaying serious behavioral issues recently. After several instances of disrespecting teachers and administrators, he was moved to an alternative school for students with severe behavioral issues. He began associating with other delinquent peers he met at the alternative school.
One afternoon after school, Jeremy and a few of his friends were hanging out at a local skate park. A guy in his mid-twenties approached the boys and offered them some marijuana. Jeremy had never used any kind of drugs, but decided to try it since it had been offered and his friends were encouraging it. He and his friends were lighting up the joint when the local police pulled up. All of the boys, including Jeremy, have been charged with possession of marijuana. Jeremy has never been in any serious trouble before; however, now Jeremy has a criminal record.