4125: Inside the Criminal Mind

About the Course:

“Inside the Criminal Mind” redefines what motivates criminals and explains what must be done. Dr. Samenow argues that the criminal’s way of thinking is vastly different from that of a responsible citizen. He identifies a pattern of criminal behavior – one that often begins in childhood – and one that refutes the widely-held beliefs that broken homes, alcoholism, violence on TV, unemployment, drug addiction, or passionate impulses are the causes of crime. He claims the present reform programs, which have given hardened criminals social and vocational skills without coming to grips with the way they view the world, are costly, useless, and dangerous. It is vital that we know who the criminal is and how and why he acts differently from responsible citizens. From that understanding can come reasonable, compassionate, and effective solutions.

Author

Samenow, Stanton E., Ph.D.

About the Authors:

Dr. Samenow graduated from Yale University and earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. He is the author of “Straight Talk About Criminals” and collaborator with Dr. Samuel Yochelson on the landmark three-volume work “The Criminal Personality.” He has served on three presidential task forces on crime and drug issues.

Course Objectives:

1. To be able to describe how a criminal thinks and behaves

2. To be able to explain Dr. Samenow’s approach to taking corrective action with the criminal