Ishita Shukla & Nawvi K, Alliance School of Law, Alliance University, Bengaluru
ABSTRACT
Throughout this research paper, consistent efforts are applied to analyze the psychology of criminal behavior by scrutinizing the role of psychologist in law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities. The important element of mens rea can’t be understood without psychology of human behaviour which is based on the traits, hereditary and lifestyles of the offender. This paper also focuses on the key factors relating to the crime that leads to the intended criminal behaviour along with deducing the factors responsible for the same. The main deductions focus on adverse childhood of an accused; negative social and environmental factors; and mental illness and mental disorders. Childhood trauma and crime is one other aspect that this paper predominantly weighs upon, and this is elucidated in detail with the help of cases of Ted Bundy, Ariel Castro, and the famous Nithari Case (India) to infer and conclude upon the importance of psychology in studying criminal behaviour.
Keywords: Psychology, Crime, Criminology, Behaviour, Trauma, Mental illness, Childhood, Mens rea, Law enforcement
