Winner, 2020 DLC Outstanding Contribution Award, given by the
American Society of Criminology
An exploration of criminal trajectories, placing them in a
developmental context
Over the past several years, notions of developmental
trajectories--particularly criminal trajectories--have taken hold as
important areas of investigation for researchers interested in the
longitudinal study of crime. This accessible volume presents the first
full-length overview of criminal trajectories as a concept and
methodology and makes the case for a developmental approach to the
topic.
The volume shows how a developmental perspective is important from a
practical standpoint, helping to inform the design of prevention and
early intervention programs to forestall the onset of antisocial and
criminal activity, particularly when it begins in childhood. Crime in
this view does not suit a one-size-fits-all model. There are different
types of criminals who develop as the result of different types of
developmental factors and experiences. By considering what risk factors
may set the stage for later crimes in certain circumstances, the authors
argue that we may be able to intervene at any point along the life
course and, if addressed early enough, prevent criminal behavior from
taking root.
Criminal Trajectories offers a comprehensive synthesis of the findings
from numerous criminal trajectory studies, presented through a
multi-disciplinary lens. It addresses the policy and practice
implications of these findings for the criminal justice
system--including a critique of current sentencing and incarceration
practices--and presents twelve recommendations informed by developmental
frameworks for future work.
