Alexandre Lacassagne

Alexandre Lacassagne (1843–1924) was a French physician, criminologist, and anthropologist, considered one of the founders of modern criminology. Born in Cahors, France, Lacassagne was noted for his innovative contributions to forensic medicine and the study of criminal behavior, laying the foundations for a scientific approach to the investigation of crimes.

Education and career
Lacassagne studied medicine in Lyon, where he became professor of forensic medicine at the University of Lyon. During his career, he combined medical knowledge with social and psychological analysis, developing rigorous methods for identifying and understanding criminal behavior.

He was actively involved in investigating cases of homicide, poisoning, and other crimes, using his expertise to assist judicial authorities. He was also a supporter of education and scientific progress in forensic medicine.

Contributions to criminology and forensic medicine
Social criminology
Lacassagne pioneered the idea that social environment has a profound impact on criminal behavior. He stated that "societies have the criminals they deserve," emphasizing the influence of social and economic conditions on crime.

Criminal anthropology
He contributed to the development of the study of the physical and psychological traits of criminals, in opposition to the deterministic theories of his contemporary Cesare Lombroso. Lacassagne believed that crime was the result of social influences rather than biological predispositions.

Forensic ballistics
He made important advances in the analysis of gunshot wounds, establishing methods to identify the type of weapon used in a crime.

Forensic toxicology
Lacassagne studied cases of poisoning and developed techniques for detecting toxic substances in the human body, contributing to the clarification of many homicide cases.

Works and influence
Lacassagne published numerous scientific works and articles on criminology, forensic medicine, and sociology. Among the main topics are:
- The relationship between crime and the social environment;
- Classification of crimes and types of criminals;
- Modern methods of forensic investigation.

He was also the founder of a school of thought known as the "School of Lyon", which profoundly influenced European criminology.

Legacy
Alexandre Lacassagne is considered a pioneer of modern criminology due to his interdisciplinary approach, which combined medicine, sociology, and anthropology to understand the phenomenon of crime. His work laid the foundations for scientific methods that are still used today in forensic medicine and criminal investigation.

Lacassagne remains an iconic figure in the history of criminology, serving as an example of the application of scientific knowledge to improve justice and society.