Download Criminology

Criminology
Criminology and the
Criminologist’s Roles
Criminology and Criminologists
Criminology is the scientific study of crime,
criminals, and criminal behavior
Criminologists scientifically study the nature and
extent of crime; patterns of criminality;
explanations for the causes of crime and
criminal behavior; and the control of crime and
criminal behavior.
Definition of Crime
The legal definition of crime or public offense is – “an
act committed or omitted in violation of a law
forbidding or commanding it, and to which is annexed,
upon conviction, either, or a combination of the
following punishments
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death
imprisonment
fine
removal from office
disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust
or profit (Black’s Law Dictionary)
For an Act to be a Crime
The must be an act or omission
The act or omission must be in violation of a
law forbidding or commanding it
There must be criminal intent (mens rea) or
criminal negligence
There must be a union or joint operation of act
and intent or criminal negligence
Punishment must be provided by law
Crime is Relative
Acts are not crimes unless and until laws exist that
prohibit them
Behavior can be considered criminal in one place but
not in another (it varies with place and time)
Civil, or tort, law deals with non-criminal offenses that
are handled by civil rather than criminal courts
Civil courts award damages to the victim
Criminal courts impose punishments only on the
behalf of the state (it can also levy fines)
Theoretical Perspectives
Functionalist perspective stresses social factors
that reinforce cooperation and harmony (norms
become laws because they reflect society’s social
consciousness
Conflict perspective stresses that value conflicts
are the basis for crime and that definitions of
crime reflect the vested interests of certain
groups in society over others (economic power
determines what becomes law)
Continue Theoretical Perspectives
Interactionist perspective is a microlevel approach that
focuses on interacting individuals and defines crime as
criminal behavior learned in social contexts. It focuses
on social behavior from the standpoint of the
individuals involved in day-to-day interaction and
defines criminal behavior as product of social learning
Feminist perspective is linked to the conflict perspective
and focuses on women’s experiences and issues
Cultural perspective focuses on the way that crime and
crime control are given meaning by popular culture,
especially the media, both as political and social issues
and as entertainment. (Jeff Ferrell and Neil Websdale)
Contemporary Integrated Theory
Deterrence Theory – stresses the idea that an individual’s choice
to commit or not commit a crime is influenced by the fear of
punishment
Rational Choice perspective – individual make rational decisions
but the decisions are driven by situational factors including
access control, entry and exit screening, surveillance, brighter
streetlights and home alarms. (seen as a contemporary integrated
theory)
Routine Activities Theory – stress the idea that criminals balance
the costs as well as the benefits of committing crimes
– Must have a motivated offender, suitable targets, and the
absence of capable guardians
Measurements of Crime
FBI Crime index (UCR) 94.2 %– Part I offenses and Part II
offenses
(available at www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm)
– Part I offenses include: murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape,
robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft
and arson
– Part II offenses include: all other crimes including simple assault,
prostitution, sex offenses, fraud, embezzlement, vandalism, and gambling.
Does not include traffic violations
– Inaccuracy
– Classification issues
– do not addresses white collar-crime, organized crime or victimless crimes
– http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius_04/appendices/appendix_02.html
Measurements of Crime continued
Victimization surveys – NCVS available at
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pubalp2.htm
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underestimating
overestimating
embarrassment
do not addresses white collar-crime, organized crime or victimless crimes
fear
Self reports
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Sampling
Under/over estimating
Validity and reliability
do not addresses white collar-crime, organized crime or victimless crimes