On the Psychological Diagnosis of Criminal Offenses

In this study, Jung utilized the word association test to identify emotional disturbances and unconscious conflicts in individuals accused of crimes. By presenting stimulus words related to the crime and recording the subject’s reaction times and verbal associations, Jung sought to detect repressed memories or complexes associated with the criminal act. For example, if a stimulus word closely related to the crime elicited delayed or unusual responses, it could indicate the subject’s psychological involvement or unresolved guilt. Jung’s method offered a pioneering approach to psychological diagnostics in forensic settings, emphasizing the role of unconscious motives in criminal behavior and challenging the prevailing view of crime as purely a product of rational or conscious decision-making.

At the time, forensic psychiatry was a burgeoning field, and Jung's work contributed to the understanding of the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior. Drawing on his clinical expertise and research with the association experiment, Jung explored how unconscious psychological processes might influence criminal acts and how these processes could be uncovered through scientific methods. His analysis sought to provide a more nuanced and empathetic perspective on criminals, emphasizing the importance of psychological factors in legal evaluations.

This updated edition features a modern, accessible translation designed to make Carl Jung's early scientific works—originally written for academic audiences—readable and engaging for contemporary readers. Complementing the translation is an illuminating Afterword by the translator, which delves into the philosophical foundations, historical context, and enduring relevance of Jung’s ideas. The Afterword not only clarifies this particular work for today’s audience but also situates it within the broader trajectory of Jung’s intellectual and clinical development. Enhanced by a detailed timeline of Jung’s life and works, along with other carefully curated supplementary materials, this edition provides rich context by embedding Jung’s theories within his personal, cultural, and historical environment. By removing dense academic references and adopting clear, straightforward language, this translation invites both newcomers and seasoned scholars to explore the origins of Jungian psychology with fresh insight and accessibility.