Theories of Crime

OVERVIEW
The purpose of this assignment is to help you begin to think critically about real-world problems.
Being able to dissect the motives of criminals and the policies that we rely on in society is
important for the doctoral candidate. This assignment will help you think through all the theories
we have discussed in this course in order to select the most valuable and explanatory theories for
the selected criminal or policy.

INSTRUCTIONS
In this assignment, you will select only one (1) topic: a serial murderer or a policy.
 If you select a serial murderer, you will write a 3–4-page biography of the individual
followed by an 11-14 page analysis of at least 3 theories that might be used to explain
why the individual committed the crimes they committed. Each theory must be explained
in reference to the individual’s biography and must be greatly detailed.
 If you select a current criminal justice policy (i.e., three-strikes laws), you will write a 3–
4-page description of the policy followed by an 11-14 page analysis of at least 3 theories
that might have been used as a foundation for that policy. Each theory must be explained
in reference to the individual’s biography and must be greatly detailed
In other words, as noted in the constraints above, you will have some limited flexibility in
choosing your topic. The research paper should be between 16 and 18 pages, making sure that
your content fits in that range.
 The project must use the current APA style and appropriate headings are expected.
 The page count does not include the title page, abstract, reference section, or any extra
material.
 You must incorporate a Christian Worldview throughout your paper or have a specific
section of your paper dedicated to a Christian Worldview.
 You must use a minimum of 15-20 recent, relevant, and academic (peer-reviewed
journals preferred and professional journals allowed if used judiciously) sources with at
least 1 source being the Bible and no more than 2 books.