Important Terms in Criminology 1:
What is Criminology?
An academic discipline, adopting an integrated and scientific approach to the study of the nature, extent, cause and control of criminal behavior.
the study of criminal behavior and
society's reaction to law violations and violators
(Overlap with criminal justice)
Theories of Crime Causation
Individual- biological, psychological
Society- social cl**** interactions & power & control
Multiple Causes- develop over life span
What is a Crime?
An act deemed socially harmful or dangerous, that is specifically defined, prohibited and punished under the criminal law. theft, rape, murder
Deviance
Behavior that departs from social norms
Norms
rules and expectations for behavior for members of society. changes over time.
Crime
Deviant act becomes crime when deemed socially harmful or dangers; then defined, prohibited and punished under criminal law
Reactions to deviance and crime: social control:
the ability of the group to influence the behavior of other people
Sanctions
the reactions or consequences of violating a norm or law
Informal social control
is response to deviance (norm violation)
Criticism
Shunning
Laughter, etc.
Formal social control
is response to violating law
Arrest
Fines
Jail or prison, etc.
Law:
norms for behavior (what we should not do) designed, maintained and enforced by the political authority (government) of a society
From norm to crime:
ciggerettes
Visible Crime
offenses against persons and property committed primarily by members of the lower class.
Often called "street crime" or "ordinary crime."
Most upsetting to the public. can be divided into three categories: property, violent, unorganized.
Crimes of violence
murder, sexual assault, assault and battery, robbery, hate crimes. Happens when someone knows victim; not usually strangers. serial: far apart murder. mass murder: virgina tech. sexual assult: physical attack or think they'll be attacked. Rape: male on male, female on femal, date rape, rape in marriages. Robbery: "give me your purse"!!
Property crime
eco offender wants to gain or destroy property. Larceny/theft, burglary: entering a place to commit a felony; a place you shouldn't be. motor vehicle theft, arson. Property crime highest
Public order crime
a.k.a. victimless crimes includes disorderly conduct, prostitution, gambling, illegal drug use. ONly offender is harmed.
White collar and corporate crime
a.k.a. occupational crime includes mail theft, forgery, securities fraud
Organized crime
Involved in gambling, illegal drugs, loan sharking
High tech and cyber crime
Includes use of internet, identity theft, crimes involving computers. against person: cyber harrassment, viruses. govt : cyber terrorism. political: terrorism, treason, esponage, voter fraud
Consensus View
Law defines crime. Agreement exists on outlawed behavior. Crime is deviance that creates social harm. Crime and punishment reflect mainstream beliefs. Laws apply to all equally
Conflict View
Law is a tool of the ruling class. Crime is politically defined. Crime is behavior that threatens dominance of those with power. "Real Crimes" are not outlawed. Law is used to control the underclass
Interactionist View
People with social and moral power define crime. Moral entrepreneurs define crime. Crimes are illegal because society defines them that way. Criminal labels are life transforming events
Siegal's integrated Definition of crime:
Crime is a violation of societal rules of behavior as interpreted and expressed by the criminal law, which reflects public opinion, traditional values and the viewpoint of people currently holding social and political power. Individuals who violate these rules are subject to sanctions by state authority, social stigma, and loss of status196200225
Last edited by CSSWorld; 25th April 2015 at 03:36 PM. Reason: Criminology, Criminology for CSS, New CSS Syllabus,
"A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP"