criminology
Criminology: the scientific study of nature, extent, cause, and control of criminal behavior.
positivist criminology
When people embrace a rational, scientific view on the world, rather than a view based on religion.
utilitarianism according to Caesar Beccaria
-In their behavior choices, people want to achieve pleasure and avoid pain
-Punishments must outweigh the benefits of committing a crime
Who was considered the "father of criminology?
Cesare Lombroso
Chicago school of criminology
Group of urban sociologists who studied the relationship between environmental conditions and crime
critical criminology
The view that crime is a product of the capitalist system
goal of rehabilitation
Directed efforts at identifying effective treatment strategies for individuals convicted of law violations
victimology
The study of the victim's role in criminal events
different views of crime
- consensus view
- conflict view
- interactionist view
Consensus View
The belief that the majority of citizens in a society share common values and agree on what behaviors should be defined as criminal
Conflict View
the belief that criminal behavior is defined by those in power in such a way as to protect and advance their own self-interest
Interactionist View
The belief that those with social powers are able to impose their values on society as a whole, and these values then define criminal behavior
Developmental theory
: the view that criminality is a dynamic process, influenced by social experiences as well as individual characteristics
Rational choice theory
The view that crimes is a function of decision-making process in which the would-be offender weighs the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act.
Trait theory
the view that criminality is a produce of abnormal biological or psychological traits
Social structure theory
the view that disadvantaged economic class position is a primary cause of crime
Social process theory
the view that criminality is a function of people's interactions with various organizations, institutions, and processes in society
Biosocial Theory
approach to criminology that focuses on the interaction between biological and social factors as they are related to crime
UCR
(Uniform Crime Reports) Large database, compiled by the FBI, of crimes reported and arrests made each year throughout the United States
Part 1 offenses
The 8 most serious offenses: Murder, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, arson, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
NIBRS
(National Incident-Based Reporting System) Program that requires local police agencies to provide a brief account of each incident and arrest within 22 crime patterns, including incident, victim, and offender information
rate of violence between 1995-2005
The Rate of violence in the U.S. Decreased more than 20%
How does age impact crime rates?
Age inversely relates to criminality. The older a person gets, the less likely they are to commit a crime.
expressive crime
Offenses committed not for a profit or gain but to vent rage, anger, or frustration
cycle of violence
Victims of crime, especially victims of childhood abuse, are more likely to commit crimes themselves
least frequent violent victimization
Personal theft. Accounted for 1% of victim crimes in 2004
time of day crime is most likely to occur
after 6pm
three characteristics of repeat victimization
-Target vulnerability
-Target Gratifiability
-Target Antagonism
Target vulnerability
The victim possesses a physical or psychological weakness that makes them more prone to becoming a victim to a crime. (Makes them an easy target)
Target Gratifiability
The victim posses a quality/skill that the offender wants
Target Antagonism
The victim arouses jealousy, anger, or destructive impulses in the offender
the lowest rates of victimization
Age: 25- > 25+
Economic status: Poor > Wealthy
Race/Ethnicity: African Americans > European Americans
Marital Status: Never-married > Married
Victim precipitation theory
The view that victims may initiate, either actively or passively, the confrontation that leads to their victimization
Active precipitation
Aggressive or provocative behavior of victims that results in their victimization
Passive precipitation
Personal or social characteristics of victims that make them attractive targets for criminals; such victims may unknowingly either threaten or encourage their attackers.
Rational Choice Theory
The view that crime is a function of a decision-making process in which the potential offender weighs the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act
Economic need
The need for money
False expectations
the fantasized reward is much larger than the realistic reward
Personal traits and experience
the limitations of an offenders skills or abilities
Criminal expertise
techniques learned to avoid detection and reduce the risk of apprehension.
personal factors that contribute to criminality
Economic need, false expectations, personal traits and experience, and criminal expertise
structural characteristics of committing a crime
-When and where the crime will occur
-Characteristics of the target
Crime discouragers
people who serve as guardians of property or people
Techniques of crime discouragement
-Increase the risk of apprehension
-Reduce the rewards of crime
-Induce guilt/increase shame
-Reduce provocation
-Remove excuses
Target Reduction Strategies
Strategies to reduce the likelihood that a person, or their property, will be a victim of crime.
General deterrence
A crime control policy that depends on the fear of criminal penalties, convincing the potential law violator that the pains associated with crime outweigh its benefits.
Specific deterrence
the view that criminal sanctions should be so powerful that offenders will never repeat their criminal acts.
direct benefits of incapacitation
Placing offenders behind bars during their prime crime years reduces their opportunity to commit crime and helps lower the crime rate.
criticisms of the 3-strike policy
-Expansion in prison population driving up costs
-Desperate criminals might use violence to get away from police facing 3rd sentence
-Recidivists already part of prison system