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😈criminology review

Moffitt's Developmental Taxonomy

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Moffitt's Developmental Taxonomy is a framework that categorizes offenders into two distinct groups based on their patterns of criminal behavior: Life-Course Persistent offenders and Adolescence-Limited offenders. This taxonomy emphasizes that the underlying causes and motivations for delinquent behavior differ significantly between these groups, with Life-Course Persistent individuals displaying consistent antisocial behavior from childhood into adulthood, while Adolescence-Limited offenders typically engage in delinquency only during their teenage years, often influenced by peer pressure and social factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Moffitt's taxonomy identifies two distinct pathways of offending: Life-Course Persistent and Adolescence-Limited, highlighting the complexity of criminal behavior.
  2. Life-Course Persistent offenders are more likely to have neurological deficits and adverse childhood experiences, leading to a higher likelihood of continued criminal behavior.
  3. Adolescence-Limited offenders typically stop their delinquent behaviors as they transition into adulthood, often because they seek to establish legitimate adult roles.
  4. Moffitt's framework suggests that prevention efforts should be tailored differently for each group; early intervention may be crucial for Life-Course Persistent individuals.
  5. The taxonomy has implications for understanding the different social responses needed to address delinquency at various developmental stages.

Review Questions

  • How does Moffitt's Developmental Taxonomy differentiate between Life-Course Persistent and Adolescence-Limited offenders?
    • Moffitt's Developmental Taxonomy differentiates between Life-Course Persistent and Adolescence-Limited offenders based on the duration and causes of their delinquent behaviors. Life-Course Persistent offenders engage in antisocial behavior from childhood into adulthood, often due to biological and environmental factors. In contrast, Adolescence-Limited offenders primarily commit delinquent acts during their teenage years, influenced more by peer pressure and social dynamics rather than deep-seated issues.
  • Discuss the implications of Moffitt's taxonomy for intervention strategies aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency.
    • Moffitt's taxonomy has significant implications for intervention strategies as it suggests that different approaches are necessary for each group of offenders. For Life-Course Persistent individuals, early intervention programs that address behavioral issues and provide support throughout childhood may be essential in preventing lifelong patterns of criminal behavior. On the other hand, interventions for Adolescence-Limited offenders might focus more on improving social skills and reducing peer pressure during the critical teenage years, emphasizing positive transitions into adulthood.
  • Evaluate how understanding Moffitt's Developmental Taxonomy can influence criminal justice policies and practices.
    • Understanding Moffitt's Developmental Taxonomy can profoundly influence criminal justice policies by advocating for tailored approaches to juvenile offenders. Policies could be designed to prioritize early intervention for Life-Course Persistent offenders while implementing supportive environments that facilitate rehabilitation for Adolescence-Limited offenders. This differentiation allows the criminal justice system to allocate resources effectively and develop programs that not only address current behaviors but also aim to reduce future recidivism rates among both offender types.