My Enthusiasm To Study Criminology With Law
Books have always been a window into the wider world for me, generating enthusiasm and allowing me to enhance my understanding of subjects which would otherwise not be introduced to me. I spend a lot of time reading and in my spare time I have branched out to non-fiction books, finding my way to psychological explanations for the criminal mind, such as Jon Ronson's 'The Psychopath Test' and Ken Kesey's 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. I was drawn in by the roar of protest that Kesey addressed in his novel about rules and the rulers who enforce them in the middlebrow society. 'The Psychopath Test' interested me with its depth examination into the concept of 'I' and how the brain determines how the person behaves correctly or deviantly.
I have developed an intense and specific interest in Criminology. From first discovering about it I have been specifically drawn to Criminal Law, the insights and reasoning for deviant behaviours from how they manifest to final decisions made for retribution. The MAOA gene is a defective gene which prevents the regulation of behaviour and can help towards an explanation of pre determined actions. Learning about determinism has been a step up for criminals in America who can defend themselves from death row as their actions are not free will- this has huge implications of the criminal justice system.
I want to learn about Criminology with Law because it is a course full of work of a contentious nature with modules spanning from criminal justice, to penology, to offending in both sexual and violent manners. I have attended several lectures with relevance to human behaviours and psychology and I have been particularly interested in the study of the criminal mind. A lecture by Dr. Guy Sutton was particularly inspirational in my decision to pursue learning about criminals as I attended a 'Brain Day' lecture that questioned what makes a psychopath. This lecture told me about the differentiating brain structures in murderers, rapists and sociopaths. My EPQ is focused on criminal minds and their deviant behaviours- I wanted the understanding of what makes criminals behave the way that they behave and what are the actions that define them as 'psychopaths' and I believe that I have gained this understanding.
Studying criminal law explores some of the most topical and serious issues in society. The thought of graduating with crucial legal skills, such as mooting, that will enhance my employability and prepare me for a diverse career is driving me to perform to the best of my ability in optional choice modules. Completing the Level Three Chartered Management Institute qualification equipped me in advance for the skills to successfully make it through university and into the professional work place. A-Level English Literature has pushed and accelerated the development of my ability to analyse texts, additional to this is the topic of the coursework focusing on changing civilisation and what can be accepted as normal. I hope that this course work will help me in the study of criminal law because I will have a thorough understanding of acceptance of behaviours in society. I am thankful to have the skills of expression through writing; this is on par with my ability to formulate discussion from the view of others that being part of the Priors Field Debating team has helped me with. I have gained a defence strategy from debating which is applicable to the desired ability in Law to discipline behaviour in a contained fashion whilst having a critical awareness of others, sometimes unspoken, opinions. I have developed good listening skills as well as the ability to analyse and formulate succinct responses to the other team. Listening and communication has been fundamental to being appointed Psychology Subject Prefect at School. I give presentations on the subject to younger pupils which enables me to develop persuasive arguments whilst acquiring presentation and organisation skills. I have developed my time management skills whilst retaining a meticulous attention to detail.
The chance to study Criminology with Law would be an honour. Gaining knowledge and empowerment in a highly sought-after profession whilst having unpredictable challenges, with dynamic and exciting ways to overcome in a satisfying fashion.
