Life‐Course/Developmental Theories

Although there are a number of criminological theories that have been discussed and have garnered empirical support for some time, only recently has the criminal career paradigm and developmental/life‐course criminology emerged as a novel theoretical perspective. In general, developmental/life‐course theories focus on offending behavior over time (e.g., trajectories) and on dimensions of the criminal career and make an effort to identify risk and protective factors that relate to life‐course patterns of offending. Recognizing this contribution, this entry provides a brief review of criminal career research, developmental/life‐course theories of crime, and offending trajectories. Directions for future developmental/life‐course criminology research are also discussed.