Demonological Theories

The earliest theories on crime causation were all about spirits and nature. Those theories* fall under the banner of demonological theories.

In the ancient times, it was believed that people committed crimes due to possession by demonic spirits. This evil influence made people criminal and sinful. There is no consideration for free will. Essentially, people are supposedly stripped of free will and made to commit crimes by otherworldly beings.

During this time, however, no empirical or scientific experimentation were done to test this idea. Hence, it is not considered a sufficient explanation to the crime phenomenon.

Nevertheless, possibly due to strong religious devotion, demonological theories are still has relevancy in some parts of the world. These parts still believe that crime is Satan's work.

Today, however, we have new theories that provide contemporary and more justifiable explanations of criminal behavior.

Reasons Why Delinquents and Offenders are Punished

• General Deterrence Punishing criminal offenders will strike fear in other people's hearts, making them less likely to commit delinquency or crime.
• Specific Deterrence Punishment will strike fear in wrongdoer's hearts, making them less likely to offend again.
• Incapacitation Wrongdoers should be locked up in jail so that they could do no more wrong.
• Retribution This reasoning rejects the idea that anything good or useful will follow or result from punishing offenders. Still, criminals must be punished. But this is done simply because they deserve it. A punishment is morally right and just in light of the harm and damage caused by the offense. Punishing criminals have no positive purpose or positive effect on the hearts and minds of people.

* Remember that, based on the elements of a theory, ideas that cannot be tested nor falsified are unqualified to be called a theory. So, we are using the term "theory" here in the common parlance.

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