Paul is 38 and has been a heroin junkie since the age of 17. To support his habit, he commits minor burglaries and robberies; he has been caught and convicted five times. Paul wants to quit using drugs and committing crime, but he has been unable to find a good job because of his previous convictions. He has also had difficulty forming healthy relationships because of his lifestyle. According to Moffitt's developmental taxonomy, what could be said of Paul?
A) He is a life course persistent offender.
B) He is an adolescent limited offender.
C) Paul is experiencing the phenomenon of "cumulative continuity."
D) Both a and c
E) Both b and c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paul's situation aligns with Moffitt's concept of a life course persistent offender, as his criminal behavior started in adolescence and has continued into adulthood. Additionally, the concept of "cumulative continuity" applies to Paul because his early choices and circumstances have led to a continuation of his criminal behavior and substance abuse, partly due to the accumulating negative consequences of his actions, such as difficulty finding employment and forming healthy relationships.

Paul Is 38 and Has Been a Heroin Junkie Since