'Rotten Social Background': Should the Criminal Law Recognize a Defense of Severe Environmental Deprivation?

Law & Inequality, Vol. 3, (1985)

82 Pages Posted: 18 Jul 2012

See all articles by Richard Delgado

Richard Delgado

Seattle University School of Law

Date Written: 1985

Abstract

Considers whether socioeconomic deprivation, also known as rotten social background (RSB), can ever constitute a criminal defense. Summarizes social scientific and medical literature on the contribution of extreme poverty and deprivation to criminal behavior. Canvasses existing criminal defenses and analyzes their ability to accommodate RSB defendants. Identifies the forms that an RSB defense might take and the costs and benefits of each option.

Keywords: criminal defenses, poverty, environmental deprivation, guilt, rotten social background

Suggested Citation

Delgado, Richard, 'Rotten Social Background': Should the Criminal Law Recognize a Defense of Severe Environmental Deprivation? (1985). Law & Inequality, Vol. 3, (1985), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2111695

Richard Delgado (Contact Author)

Seattle University School of Law ( email )

WA
United States

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