(((From a first year Criminology 1100 class. A brief look into the biological, psychological, and sociological explanations of a brutal murder case in Canada.)))
Introduction
"Why?" Mrs. Findlay asked Jeremy Vojkovic, who attacked the mother of three minutes after she waved goodbye to her husband and children on a Tuesday morning 16 months ago. She posed the question after Mr. Vojkovic sexually assaulted her in the loft of the barn. He was putting her clothes back on and binding her wrists. Duct tape already covered her eyes. "It doesn't matter," Mr. Vojkovic replied. "Just be quiet" (Armstrong, 2004).
The Vojkovic case has enraged the hearts of many. The Findlay family, with strong social ties to the community, was dealt a devastating blow with the loss of Colleen Findlay. Upon the public hearing the accounts of what transpired, came about the discussion of the death penalty. The debate has slowly been gaining strength as a recent survey suggests that over sixty percent of British Columbian’s are in favor (Mackenzie, 2004). However, for this case, the public has only heard the accounts of what transpired on the day of the murder. Many people have passed judgment without considering the biological explanations for what occurred. Were these the actions of a cold and calculated murder or the manifestation of a teenager with impaired cognitive traits?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Biological Explanations
3. Psychological Explanations
4. Sociological Explanations
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the case of Jeremy Wade Vojkovic through the lens of multiple criminological theories to determine whether his criminal behavior is better explained by biological, psychological, or sociological factors within the framework of the Medical Model.
- Application of Lombroso’s "Born Criminal" theory to modern criminal behavior.
- Evaluation of the Neuropsychological Theory regarding brain damage and impulse control.
- Critique of the Medical Model's classification of "sick" individuals versus sociological environments.
- Analysis of the influence of social upbringing, family dynamics, and environmental stressors on criminal development.
Excerpt from the Book
Psychological Explanations
"I was all like sweaty. I was getting all hot. Like I was trying to think of something. I was trying to think really quickly. I was kind of running around. It was an accident that got out of control" (Mackenzie, 2004).
Lombroso argued that born criminals are cold and calculating. They are amoral and lack a sense of remorse for their victims. This fits in well with the behavior Mr. Vojkovic exhibited with Mrs. Findlay. Since they had startled one another in the barn, Mr. Vojkovic had been concerned with being identified. He tied her up, took away her glasses, set fire to the house to destroy his fingerprints, and murdered Mrs. Findlay. This does not overshadow that he raped Mrs. Findlay and never appeared to show any form of remorse for her or empathy, throughout this ordeal. These actions are further emphasized once he left the Findlay residence and enjoyed some time out with his friends shortly after. However, one thing remains unclear, if Mr. Vojkovic lacks remorse then why did he attempt to vacate the dogs prior to setting the house on fire? This argument defies part of Lombroso’s theory.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the criminal case of Jeremy Wade Vojkovic and outlines the intent to compare his actions against biological, psychological, and sociological theoretical perspectives.
Biological Explanations: This section applies Cesare Lombroso’s "Born Criminal" theory to the subject, analyzing genetic traits and evolutionary markers in the context of criminal activity.
Psychological Explanations: This section explores the Neuropsychological Theory, focusing on how brain damage, poor verbal skills, and cognitive disarray might explain the offender's behavioral patterns.
Sociological Explanations: This chapter discusses how learned behavior, cultural transmission, and environmental stressors like family instability and abandonment contribute to the formation of criminal identity.
Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, noting that while biological theories offer some insights, the sociological environment remains a critical and potentially decisive factor in the subject's behavior.
Keywords
Criminology, Medical Model, Cesare Lombroso, Born Criminal, Neuropsychological Theory, Criminal Behavior, Sociological Explanations, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Cultural Transmission, First Nations, Psychology, Social Environment, Criminal Justice, Remorse, Cognitive Traits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the criminal case of Jeremy Wade Vojkovic to determine which theoretical perspectives—biological, psychological, or sociological—most accurately explain his violent actions.
What are the central themes discussed in this document?
The core themes include the validity of Lombroso’s "Born Criminal" theory, the impact of neuro-psychological impairments on behavior, and the role of social and family environments in shaping criminal intent.
What is the main research question or objective?
The paper aims to evaluate whether Vojkovic’s crimes were the result of inherent biological traits or a manifestation of his complex social and environmental upbringing.
Which scientific methods or models are used for the analysis?
The author utilizes the Medical Model, which categorizes behavior as stemming from either a "sick body" (biological), a "sick mind" (psychological), or "sick neighborhoods" (sociological).
What topics are covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body systematically applies and critiques Lombroso's theory, neuropsychological assessments regarding brain damage and impulse control, and the sociocultural factors involved in the subject's life.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Criminology, Born Criminal, Medical Model, Neuropsychological Theory, and Cultural Transmission.
How does the paper evaluate Lombroso’s "Born Criminal" theory in the context of the Vojkovic case?
The author argues that while the theory claims to explain criminality through degenerate features, it is often flawed and relies heavily on racial or stereotypical profiling, which may not hold up to modern scrutiny.
What specific role did the offender's family history play in the author's analysis?
The author suggests that the offender's relationship with his abusive and alcoholic mother is a significant, often overlooked sociological factor that potentially acted as a catalyst for his violent behavior.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Bachelor of Arts Criminology and Psychology Richard Teotico (Autor:in), 2007, Remorseless: Biological Theoretical Explanations of Jeremy Wade Vojkovic, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/210785
