midterm

Criminal biography project.

Select a famous or well-known criminal that you can research. Examples include: Bernie Madoff, Elizabeth Holmes, Ted Kaczynski, John Wayne Gacy, Timothy McVeigh, Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, etc. Please select someone of interest to you; it does NOT have to be someone in this list.

Analyze that individual’s

1. early life and social influences
2. any major “turning points” in their lives that may have changed them (the emphasis is not on just the biography, but the focus is on how their biography integrates with the theory)

Using one or two different crime theories, analyze their behavior

1. what theory best fits, why and provide examples
2. evaluate strengths and any limitations of the theories
3. what, if anything, could have been done to stop or mitigate this person’s behavior?

Write a 3-page paper, using APA citations, that addresses all the items listed above.

You should be identifying past events in the person’s life that align with theory concepts. Briefly explain their crimes – why and how they occurred. Did labeling play a role? Family life? What does the selected theory explain well and what does it fail to explain?

Grading rubric

Excellent: concise and accurate background and context. Clear and thorough explanation of the crime theory that demonstrates your understanding. Demonstrates strong reasoning, considers alternative theories, thoughtful critique of the theories strengths and failings. Clear paper organization, excellent grammar and mechanical issues.

Good: Accurate summary, could be more thorough and lacks depth. Lacking in specificity of the application of the crime theory, underdeveloped paper that omits some items or evidences a cursory understanding. Clear writing with minor structural issues.

Satisfactory/Fair: Unfocused and unclear organization, lacking context and clarity. Evidences a basic understanding of theory, vague or incorrect terminology. Surface-level application of theory, lists concepts without explanation. Limited analytical assessment. Noticeable grammar/structure issues or problems.