Criminology and Punishment Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of victimology within criminology?

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
  • Understanding the psychological impacts of crime on offenders.
  • Analyzing crime rates across different demographics.
  • Examining the experiences and needs of crime victims. (correct)

    • Which of the following is the most widely accepted definition of crime?

  • An act that violates a law and is punishable by the state. (correct)
  • Any act that violates a moral code.
  • Any behavior that is uniformly accepted as immoral.
  • Any social behavior that harms an individual.

    • Which criminological theory emphasizes the role of social structures in influencing criminal behavior?

  • Routine Activity Theory
  • Biological Determinism
  • Labeling Theory
  • Strain Theory (correct)

    • What perspective does modern criminology take regarding social justice?

    <p>It seeks to address inequalities and promote fairness within the justice system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the culture of fear influence perceptions of crime in society?

    <p>It heightens public anxiety and can lead to harsher justice policies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theory is primarily concerned with how societal labels affect an individual's future behavior?

    <p>Labeling Theory (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major critique of traditional crime measurement methods?

    <p>They often overlook crimes against marginalized groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'global justice' in criminology?

    <p>It refers to the fairness in the application of laws across different countries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between media representation and public perception of crime?

    <p>Media often exaggerates crime rates, leading to inflated public fears. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach in criminology focuses on the consequences of harm rather than the breaking of laws?

    <p>Harm-Based Approach (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important characteristic of criminology as mentioned?

    <p>It is an interdisciplinary field. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which definition of crime focuses on laws and regulations?

    <p>Legal definition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who were the early positivists focused on understanding?

    <p>The reasons behind specific criminal behaviors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key trait that a good criminologist should possess?

    <p>Be critical and inquiring. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theory posits that crime results from free will and a cost-benefit analysis?

    <p>Classical criminology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of crime does victimology primarily focus on?

    <p>The victim's experience and impacts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the term 'aetiology' in criminology?

    <p>The study of the cause of crime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do classical criminologists believe about the nature of criminals?

    <p>Criminals make rational choices based on perceived benefits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the harm-based approach to crime primarily focus on?

    <p>Anything that causes harm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the human rights definition of crime differ from traditional legal definitions?

    <p>It encompasses discrimination and crimes of the powerful. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the aetiological theory of crime focus on?

    <p>The causes of crime (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of choice and decision-making theory, what is emphasized as a motivator for committing crime?

    <p>Rational decision-making processes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements reflects the idea of crime being situational?

    <p>Crime depends on an individual's social context and circumstances. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does social constructivism investigate regarding norms?

    <p>Why social norms exist and their purposes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which critique is associated with the aetiological theory of crime?

    <p>It ignores societal impacts on crime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern of theories addressing individual pathologies in criminology?

    <p>Biological and psychological abnormalities leading to crime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Criminology definition

    The study of crime, its causes, and consequences.

    Crime definition

    An act that violates the law and is punishable by the state.

    Criminological theories

    Different explanations for why people commit crimes.

    Criminological research methods

    The scientific ways of studying crime and criminals.

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    Crime statistics

    Data on crime rates, types, and trends.

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    Punishment philosophies

    Theories about the purpose of punishment for crime.

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    Culture of fear

    The influence of media on public perceptions of crime.

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    White-collar crime

    Crimes committed by powerful people during their professional lives.

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    Global Justice

    The concept of justice dealing with crimes on a worldwide scale.

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    Harm-based approach

    A method of looking at crime that focuses on the harm caused.

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    What is criminology?

    Criminology is the study of crime, justice and law and order issues. It examines the broader dynamics of societies to understand how those things exist and are experienced.

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    Why is criminology interdisciplinary?

    Criminology utilizes knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines like sociology, psychology, law, and economics to understand crime and criminal justice.

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    Classical Criminology

    Classical criminology views crime as a result of free will and rational choices based on cost-benefit analysis.

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    Positivist Criminology

    Positivist criminology focuses on identifying factors that influence criminal behavior, such as biological, psychological, and sociological factors.

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    Criminography

    The branch of criminology that focuses on measuring and analyzing crime data.

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    Aetiology of Crime

    The study of the causes of crime, exploring factors that contribute to criminal behavior.

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    Penology

    The study of punishment and its effectiveness in dealing with crime.

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    Victimology

    The study of victims of crime, exploring their experiences, needs, and rights.

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    Social constructivism (in criminology)

    The idea that crime is not inherent but defined by society's norms and values, and social factors lead to its existence and change.

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    Harm-based approach to crime

    Focuses on whether an act causes harm to people or society, regardless of whether it breaks specific laws. It considers the effects of actions.

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    Human rights definition of crime

    Any action that violates human rights, regardless of legality, is considered a crime. This emphasizes ethical and moral aspects.

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    Crime is situational

    Whether an action is considered a crime depends on factors like context, time, location, and the social position of those involved.

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    Aetiological theory of crime

    Focuses solely on explaining the causes of crime, often within a legal framework. It aims to understand the roots of criminal behavior.

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    Choice and decision-making (in criminology)

    This school of thought believes individuals choose to commit crimes based on rational calculations of potential rewards and risks.

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    Individual pathologies (in criminology)

    This perspective sees crime as a result of individual biological or psychological factors, like mental illness or personality disorders.

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    Deterrence (in criminology)

    The idea that harsh punishments will discourage people from committing crimes, based on fear of the consequences.

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    Study Notes

    Criminology Summary

    • Criminology is the study of crime, justice, and law enforcement, examining social, political, and cultural factors alongside economic and technological progress.
    • Criminology is interdisciplinary, drawing on various fields of study.
    • Criminology is an applied science, with insights used for governmental concerns and policymaking.
    • A good criminologist critically analyzes issues, considers their own biases and reflects on their backgrounds while maintaining thorough and accurate research.

    Philosophies of Punishment

    • Penology studies punishment; it's related to power and authority and legitimacy of punishment within a society.
    • Democratic states derive their power and legitimacy from the people.
    • Penal systems aim to achieve retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation and incapacitation.
    • Restorative justice focuses on community involvement and reparations for harm caused.
    • Punishment has a social control aspect, aiming to maintain societal order and uphold moral standards.

    Crime in the Era of Media

    • Crime figures are influenced by public perception and media portrayal.
    • "Penal populism" employs tough-on-crime rhetoric to gain public approval.
    • Media coverage often skews perceptions of crime, focusing on sensationalized cases.
    • Policing practices, legislation, and sentencing are influenced by public opinion and media.
    • Crime statistics and media reports may not accurately reflect the reality of crime rates.

    Counting Crime

    • Crime counting is subjective due to subjective definitions of crime and factors impacting reporting (e.g., victim reporting, police recording).
    • Official crime data may not accurately represent crime rates due to under-reporting, negligent practices, and cultural impacts.
    • Different methods of counting crime exist, such as self-reported surveys, victimization surveys, and mapping crime locations.

    Criminological Research

    • Criminological research aims to examine various crime-related events, factors, and theories.
    • This research often explores diverse topics, including public perceptions, attitudes and policies.
    • Qualitative and quantitative research methods are used to collect and analyze data.
    • Ethical considerations and appropriate research techniques are crucial in criminological studies.

    Criminology: The Causes of Crime

    • Theories of crime often focus on individuals' choices, pathologies and social influences.
    • These theories range from classicalism (rational choice) to modern positivism (biosocial, psychological, and sociological factors leading to criminal behavior).
    • Criminology examines how social factors such as poverty, marginalization, and inequality contribute significantly to the rise in crimes.

    Crimes of the Powerful

    • Globalisation complicates the study of criminal justice issues; these issues can cross borders.
    • International collaboration and cooperation are key to addressing these types of crimes.
    • Criminogenic acts of powerful individuals and organizations can significantly harm society and violate human rights
    • Identifying and accounting for harms caused by powerful actors requires extensive research and collaboration.

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    Description

    Explore the key concepts of criminology, including the study of crime, justice, and law enforcement. Delve into the philosophies of punishment and the interdisciplinary nature of criminology. This quiz covers essential insights into penal systems and the role of societal factors in punishment.

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