Criminology Definitions of Crime

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Questions and Answers

Explain how the sociological definition of crime broadens the scope of criminological inquiry compared to the legal definition.

The sociological definition includes behaviors that may not be illegal but are still harmful or disruptive, while the legal definition is limited to acts prohibited by law.

How might the psychological and sociological perspectives on crime be integrated to explain juvenile delinquency?

Psychological factors such as impulsivity can combine with social factors like peer influence to drive delinquent behavior.

Contrast how a consensus perspective and a conflict perspective would explain the creation of laws against insider trading.

A consensus perspective would see it as reflecting shared values of fairness in markets, while a conflict perspective would see it as protecting the interests of wealthy investors.

How does the distinction between mala in se and mala prohibita influence moral judgments about different types of crime?

Mala in se crimes, like murder, are seen as inherently evil, while mala prohibita crimes, like traffic violations, are wrong because they are prohibited by law, affecting the degree of moral condemnation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how labeling theory can explain the process by which a minor offense escalates into a pattern of criminal behavior.

Being labeled a criminal after a minor offense can lead an individual to internalize the label and engage in further criminal behavior, reinforcing the initial label. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the legal definition of crime is considered limited in fully capturing the scope and nature of harmful behaviors in society.

The legal definition is limited because it depends on existing laws, which may not reflect societal values or address all forms of harm. Laws also change over time and vary across jurisdictions. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between how classical criminology and positivist criminology approach the question of criminal responsibility.

Classical criminology emphasizes free will and rational choice, assigning full responsibility, while positivist criminology emphasizes biological, psychological, and social factors, suggesting diminished responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

How might a critical criminologist explain the over-representation of marginalized groups in the criminal justice system?

Critical criminologists would argue that the over-representation is due to systemic biases and inequalities that lead to harsher treatment and targeting of marginalized groups by law enforcement and the courts. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how strain theory accounts for the relationship between social inequality and crime rates.

Strain theory argues that social and economic inequality creates strain when individuals cannot achieve their goals through legitimate means, leading them to turn to crime as an alternative. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how social learning theory might explain why individuals from similar backgrounds can have different involvement in criminal activity.

Social learning theory suggests that different exposure to criminal and non-criminal behaviors through interactions with family, peers, and the community can lead to different levels of involvement in criminal activity, even among individuals from similar backgrounds. Signup and view all the answers

If a particular harmful act is not defined as criminal, does that mean criminologists should not study it? Explain from a sociological perspective.

No, criminologists should still study it. From a sociological perspective, crime includes violations of social norms, even if not legally defined; studying such acts helps understand broader issues of social order and deviance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the political definition of crime challenge the notion of law as a neutral arbiter of right and wrong?

The political definition suggests that what is labeled as crime is influenced by those in power to protect their interests, rather than being a neutral reflection of societal values. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how viewing crime through an integrated definition can lead to more effective crime prevention strategies.

An integrated definition allows for a comprehensive understanding of crime by considering the interplay of individual, social, and structural factors, leading to multi-faceted prevention strategies addressing different causes. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the roles of law enforcement, courts, and corrections within the criminal justice system.

Law enforcement investigates crimes and apprehends suspects, courts adjudicate cases and determine guilt, and corrections supervise and rehabilitate offenders; each plays a distinct but interconnected role in controlling crime. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to distinguish between the legal and sociological definitions of crime when studying corporate wrongdoing?

Some corporate wrongdoings may not be illegal but cause significant social harm, highlighting the limits of the legal definition; the sociological definition helps capture these harmful but not necessarily criminal behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How might the consensus and conflict perspectives view the implementation of mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses differently?

The consensus perspective might see it as reflecting societal agreement on punishing harmful drug-related behavior, while the conflict perspective might view it as a tool used by the powerful to control marginalized populations. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how mala in se crimes often have a higher level of societal response and punishment compared to mala prohibita crimes, even when the latter causes widespread harm.

Mala in se crimes are considered inherently evil and morally reprehensible, leading to stronger condemnation and punishment. Mala prohibita crimes, even if causing widespread harm, may be seen as less morally offensive and receive lighter penalties. Signup and view all the answers

How can social learning theory and strain theory be combined to better explain gang membership and criminal behavior?

Strain theory explains the motivation to engage in crime due to blocked opportunities, while social learning theory explains how individuals learn the techniques and attitudes necessary for criminal behavior within a gang context. Signup and view all the answers

Using the political definition of crime, explain how acts of civil disobedience could be considered criminal, even if they are intended to promote social justice.

Acts of civil disobedience challenge existing power structures and can be labeled as criminal by those in power to maintain control, regardless of their intent to promote social justice. The powerful can create laws that protect their interests and punish those that threaten them. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how changes in social norms can lead to certain behaviors being decriminalized or legalized, influencing the sociological and legal definitions of crime.

As social norms evolve, behaviors once considered deviant may become accepted, leading to changes in laws and regulations. This results in activities previously defined as crimes being decriminalized or legalized, reflecting the shifting boundary between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Legal Definition of Crime

An act or omission violating criminal law, punishable by the state.

Sociological Definition of Crime

A violation of social norms, whether legally defined as crimes or not.