Cesare Lombroso was an Italian criminologist and physician born in 1835, known for his pioneering work in the field of criminology. He believed that criminal behavior could be traced to biological and physical traits, which he thought could be inherited. His theories suggested that some individuals were naturally predisposed to commit crimes, which was a controversial idea at the time and laid the foundation for theories of biological determinism. Lombroso is most famous for his concept of the "born criminal," asserting that criminals could be identified by specific physical characteristics, such as certain facial features or body types. His approach combined criminal anthropology and biology, aiming to classify criminals based on observable traits. Although many of his ideas have been discredited or revised, his work significantly influenced the development of forensic science and the study of criminal behavior.
Cesare Lombroso was born on November 6, 1835, in Verona, Italy. He pursued medicine and later specialized in neuroanatomy and psychiatry. His interest in criminology led him to study prisoners and their physical characteristics, which resulted in his controversial theories. Lombroso's work was influential in promoting scientific approaches to criminal justice but also drew criticism for its deterministic and often racist implications. He died in 1909, leaving a legacy that continues to spark debate in criminology and forensic science.