Paper Title
Psycholegal Aspects of Female Criminality

Abstract
Female criminality represents an interdisciplinary field of interest at the intersection of psychology and law, with implications for understanding the causes, manifestations, and consequences of criminal behavior among women. Studies on female delinquency indicate that women commit crimes at a significantly lower rate than men, with offenses often including economic crimes, non-violent offenses, and crimes committed in domestic contexts (Heidensohn & Silvestri, 2012).[1] Psychological and Criminogenic Factors Factors influencing female criminality can be categorized into individual (psychological and biological), social, and situational factors. Psychologically, female offenders often display a higher prevalence of personality disorders, particularly antisocial and borderline personality disorders (Jordan et al., 2010) [2]. Histories of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse play a significant role in the development of criminal behavior (Brennan et al., 2012) [3]. Neurobiological research highlights differences in dopaminergic and serotonergic system functioning in female offenders, impacting emotional regulation and impulse control (Dolan & Vollm, 2009) [4]. High stress levels and psychological vulnerability associated with early trauma further increase the risk of delinquent behavior. Typology of Crimes Committed by Women Research indicates that women are more likely to commit theft, fraud, small-scale drug trafficking, and family-related offenses (e.g., child abuse or neonaticide) (Kruttschnitt & Gartner, 2005) [5]. Violent crimes by women are often linked to personal contexts such as domestic violence, self-defense, or retaliation against abusive partners (Jewkes et al., 2012). [6] Female Criminality and the Legal System In the criminal justice system, female offenders often receive more lenient sentences compared to men for similar offenses, influenced by gender stereotypes portraying women as less dangerous and more capable of rehabilitation (Nagel & Hagan, 1983) [7]. Female offenders are also more likely to be placed in alternative programs such as community rehabilitation or psychological treatments, especially for non-violent crimes (Daly, 1994) [8]. However, incarcerated women face specific challenges, including limited access to mental health services, separation from children, and more pronounced social stigma compared to male inmates (Covington, 2007).[9] Psycholegal Implications A psycholegal analysis of female criminality highlights the need for penal and criminological policies tailored to the characteristics and needs of female offenders. Prevention and intervention programs must consider factors such as abuse history, mental health, and family context to support rehabilitation and social reintegration. The legal system must ensure a balanced approach that protects victims while respecting the rights of female offenders, avoiding both positive discrimination and disproportionate treatment based on gender stereotypes. Conclusions Female criminality exhibits significant psycholegal particularities, influenced by a combination of individual, social, and systemic factors. Research shows that female offenders are often victims of severe trauma and that their crimes are frequently driven by specific circumstances such as domestic violence or economic hardships. The legal system must address these particularities to ensure fair justice and effective prevention and reintegration measures. Keywords - Female criminality, psycholegal aspects, female offenders, criminogenic factors, personality disorders, domestic violence, legal system, rehabilitation, trauma, gender stereotypes.