Which term refers to physical characteristics used to identify a criminal?

Which term refers to physical characteristics used to identify a criminal?

• A. Physiognomy
• B. Atavism
• C. Stigmata
• D. Biometrics

Answer: (C)

Stigmata refers to physical marks or signs that were historically used to identify someone as a criminal. In early criminology, proponents like Lombroso argued that certain bodily characteristics—visible, observable traits—could indicate criminal propensity. That idea makes stigmata the term that directly ties physical characteristics to labeling someone as a criminal, which is why it fits the question. Physiognomy, while related, is about inferring character from facial features more generally and not specifically about signs that identify a criminal. Atavism is the notion of criminals being evolutionary throwbacks, a broader biological theory rather than a descriptor of identifiable physical signs. Biometrics is the modern use of unique physical measurements to identify individuals, not to categorize criminal propensity based on signs of crime.

Stigmata refers to physical marks or signs that were historically used to identify someone as a criminal. In early criminology, proponents like Lombroso argued that certain bodily characteristics—visible, observable traits—could indicate criminal propensity. That idea makes stigmata the term that directly ties physical characteristics to labeling someone as a criminal, which is why it fits the question.

Physiognomy, while related, is about inferring character from facial features more generally and not specifically about signs that identify a criminal. Atavism is the notion of criminals being evolutionary throwbacks, a broader biological theory rather than a descriptor of identifiable physical signs. Biometrics is the modern use of unique physical measurements to identify individuals, not to categorize criminal propensity based on signs of crime.