Eric Smith and Joel Rifkin cases.
Summarize each case.
Compare and contrast the Smith and Rifkin cases in terms of the biological factors that may have influenced their criminal actions.
Compare and contrast the Smith and Rifkin cases in terms of the environmental factors that may have influenced their criminal actions.
Summarize your key takeaways and explain your perspective on how biological and environmental factors may influence criminal behavior.
Use in text citations
References
Adjorlolo, S. (2017). Biological protective factors of criminal offending: Implications for risk assessment research and practice. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 28(1), 108-132. https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2016.1261175
Berryessa, C. M. (2020). The effects of essentialist thinking toward biosocial risk factors for criminality and types of offending on lay punishment support. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 38(4), 355-380. https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.2476
Chakraborty, C. (2018). The effects of genetic predisposition to criminal behaviour. VIDHIGYA: The Journal of Legal Awareness, 13(1), 86-89. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-4533.2018.00011.8
Konopka, A., Rek-Owodziń, K., Pełka-Wysiecka, J., & Samochowiec, J. (2018). Parenting style in family and the risk of psychopathologyLinks to an external site.. Advances in Hygiene & Experimental Medicine / Postepy Higieny i Medycyny Doswiadczalnej, 72, 924-931. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0012.7026
Ling, S., Umbach, R., & Raine, A. (2019). Biological explanations of criminal behaviorLinks to an external site.. Psychology, Crime & Law, 25(6), 626-640. https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2019.1572753
Savopoulos, P., & Lindell, A. K. (2018). Born criminal? Differences in structural, functional and behavioral lateralization between criminals and noncriminals. Laterality, 23(6), 738-760. https://doi.org/10.1080/1357650X.2018.1432631
Tilley, N. (2013). Analyzing and responding to repeat offending. ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing. https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/analyzing-and-responding-repeat-offending
Joel Rifkin Resources
Biography. (2023, October 3). Joel RifkinLinks to an external site.. https://www.biography.com/crime/joel-rifkin
Hand, J. R. (Director). (2018). Joel [Film]Links to an external site.. https://www.jrhfilms.com/joel/
Note: This resource discusses a feature film made about the Joel Rifkin case.
Gilligan, M. (2019, June 27). A 'frenzy' of murder: The story of New York serial killer Joel RifkinLinks to an external site.. CrimeFeed. https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/crime-history/a-frenzy-of-murder-story-of-new-york-serial-killer-joel-rifkin
Eric Smith Resources
Egan, L. (2022, March 21). Child killer Eric Smith released from prison after beating, strangling 4-year-old: ReportsLinks to an external site.. CrimeOnline. https://www.crimeonline.com/2022/03/21/child-killer-eric-smith-released-from-prison-after-beating-strangling-4-year-old-reports/
Leung, R. (2004, December 10). Why did Eric kill? [Video]Links to an external site.. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-did-eric-kill-10-12-2004/
