In this text, the authors examine central issues in the development of criminal propensity through studies of life-course perspective and from criminal research involving biological and genetic factors. The authors trace the origins of criminality-that is, the propensity to violate social norms and rules-from conception through birth, through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The authors equally discuss biological and genetic research associated with criminality, as well as discuss research into specific environmental agents that cause, facilitate, or maintain criminal propensity.

Introduction1. Life Course Criminology Life Course Criminology Origins of Life Course Criminology The Criminal Career Approach What Is Life Course Criminology? Concepts and Issues in Life Course Criminology Life Course Theories of Criminal Behavior Theories of Stability and Change Developmental Trajectories and Typologies of Offenders Life Course Criminality2. The Stability of Criminal and Analogous Behavior What Do We Mean by the Stability of Criminal Behavior? How Is the Stability of Criminal Behavior Measured? Issues Related to the Measurement of Stability Empirical Findings on Stability Review of the Stability of Problem Behavior Conclusion3. Continuity in Antisocial Potential Continuity Heterotypic, Homotypic, and Cumulative Continuity State Dependence and Population Heterogeneity Sources of Continuity Genetic Continuity Person-Environment Interactions Conclusion4. Genetics and Crime Early Biological Explanations Biological Rejection The New Study of Biology and Behavior The Behavioral Genetic Study of Criminality Conclusion5. Introduction to Brain Structure and Basic Functions: Part I: The Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Limbic Structures in the Development of CriminalityBrain Development and Structure Conclusion6. Introduction to Brain Structure and Basic Functions: Part II: Forebrain Formation, Trauma, and Criminal Behavior Forebrain: Cortical Region Conclusion7. Concepts and Issues in Neuropsychological Functioning Basic Structure and Functioning of Our Nervous System Nervous System Functioning and Criminality Hormones and Their Effect on Physiology and Behavior Integrating Concepts of Physiology and Environment Conclusion8. Gender Differences in Brain Processes and Laterality Gender Differences in Hemispheric Lateralization The Influence of Androgens (Male Hormones) A Developmental Theory for Gender Differences in Criminality Conclusion9. Individuals and Their Social World There Is Variation Left Unexplained by Genetic Influences Brain Plasticity Is Environmentally Influenced The Correlation and Interaction Between Genes and the Environment Developmental Risk Factors Effects of Alchohol and Drugs on Fetal Development Prenatal Exposure to Nicotine Biosocial Issues in Development Activity of Nervous System: Sensation Seeking Deficits in Neuropsychological Functioning Inidividuals in Their Environment10. Prepubescence: Infancy and Childhood What Do We Mean by Problem Behavior in Infancy and Childhood? The Prevalence and Frequency of Problem Behavior in Infancy and Childhood Continuity in Problem Behaviors Over Time11. Postpubescence: Adolescence and Adulthood What Is Adolescence, and Why Did We Include Adulthood? Sexual Maturation and Human Development The Effects of Sexual Maturation Adolescent Development Adult Criminals12. Policy Recommendations Contextual Factors Prior to Birth At Birth After Birth Child Development Adolescence Adulthood Caveats Closing ThoughtsIndexAbout the Authors