How is a link between low levels of intelligence and criminal involvement explained? Why would a less intelligent person be more likely to be a criminal?

What will be an ideal response?


Possible answer: The relationship between low levels of intelligence and criminal involvement is one of the oldest relationships discovered. The link has been explained in a couple of different ways. Perhaps the most prominent is the explanation by Goddard (back in the early 1900s), those with low IQs are unable to manage their affairs due to their lack of mental capacity. There seems to be an issue with individuals with low mental capacity being at higher risk for criminal behavior. It could be that these individuals do not have the ability to ‘think things through' before engaging in behavior. Perhaps they truly do not understand that their behaviors are against the law. As the famous saying goes, ‘ignorance is not an excuse' for an offense.

Criminal Justice

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What will be an ideal response?

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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

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What will be an ideal response?

Criminal Justice