Causes of Crime

A question that has long been asked in the social and behavioral sciences has been: Why do people commit crime? The theories that seek to explain the causes of criminal behavior are almost as plentiful as the different types of crimes themselves. Many lawmakers in Congress and in the states assume that the high level of crime in America must have its roots in material conditions, such as poor employment opportunities and a shortage of adequately funded social programs.(Heritage Leadership for America, 1995, 6) Nonetheless, this paper will confine itself to a discussion of only a few of them. This paper looks at the reasons why people commit crime and why some groups are more prone to crime than others. The paper also discusses theories that try to explain why people commit crimes.
Al Capone
Throughout America's history many criminals come to mind, such as John Dillinger, Jeffrey Dahmer and Charles Manson, to name a few. There is one criminal that is recognized as the most notorious and famous due to his extreme wealth and Godfather like status, Al Capone.   During the 1920s Prohibition era Capone was seen as the single greatest symbol of the downfall of law and order within the United States. Capone’s role in illegal activities gave Chicago its reputation as a lawless city. Al Capone was possibly considered the most feared mafia boss in America
Capone ran the City of Chicago. He always appeared on newspapers all over the United States. Capone ran many illegal businesses not limited to bootlegging, gambling, prostitution, and murders. Organized crime was very popular during this time and Al Capone’s was at the top. At the start of his criminal career in Boston, he served as an apprentice to Johnny Torrio, a man who would become a long time friend.
The Beginning
On January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York Capone was born. Baptized "Alphonsus Capone," he grew up in a rough neighborhood and was a member of two "kid gangs," the Brooklyn Rippers and the Forty Thieves...