What term describes physical characteristics that identify a criminal?

The term that describes physical characteristics that identify a criminal is stigmata. In criminology, the concept of stigmata refers to certain physical features or markers that are believed to be indicative of criminal behavior or an individual's propensity for criminality. This idea originates from the early theories of biological determinism, where certain physical traits were thought to correlate with deviant behavior. Scholars like Cesare Lombroso suggested that criminals could be identified by specific anomalies in their physiology, which they termed stigmata.

The other options represent different concepts within the field of criminology. The sociological school focuses on the influence of social factors and environments on criminal behavior rather than physical characteristics. Anomie refers to a state of normlessness in society that leads to confusion and disorientation among individuals, potentially resulting in criminal behavior. Concentric Zone Theory is a sociological model that explains urban crime rates based on social and economic factors within different zones in a city. None of these terms address physical characteristics specific to individuals identified as criminals.