Criminology Theory Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of a 'good' criminological theory?

It is only applicable in specific regions.

It is primarily focused on individual cases.

It must be logical and consistent. (correct)

It is based on anecdotal evidence.

Why is it important to develop and refine criminological theories?

They can directly influence policies and law enforcement. (correct)

They eliminate the need for law enforcement.

They solely provide entertainment value.

They are only relevant to academic discussions.

What often happens to 'bad' criminological theories over time?

They are usually retained regardless of testing.

They gain popularity and acceptance.

They transform into 'good' theories without revision.

They tend to fall out of favor. (correct)

Which statement best describes how theories are influenced?

Theories evolve from the context of their time. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of effective criminological theories?

They may lead to real-world policy changes. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a theory to be 'parsimonious'?

It should be simple and straightforward. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of criminological theories can they influence significantly?

Inequalities and inefficiencies in the criminal justice system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why criminological theory should be tested and updated?

To minimize the effort spent on law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of conflict-based explanations of crime?

The relationship between economic power and crime Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of Nikolas Cruz?

He showed interest in firearms and had behavioral issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT align with Cruz's background prior to the shooting?

He had no known mental health issues. Signup and view all the answers

How did the media and public react to the mass shooting committed by Cruz?

They expressed deep curiosity about his motivations. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'over-criminalization' refer to in the context of conflict-based crime theory?

Increased legal scrutiny of poor and minority communities. Signup and view all the answers

What explains why individuals may make choices that appear irrational?

Bounded or limited rationality affects decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a key component of Routine Activities Theory?

The absence of a capable guardian. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following perspectives does NOT belong to the modern criminological theory?

Mystical explanations. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically included in the psychological explanations of crime?

Genetics. Signup and view all the answers

Modern criminological theory is built upon which two historical schools of thought?

Classical and Positivist Schools. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a biological factor in explaining crime?

Testosterone levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is generally true about modern criminological theory?

It remains a contested field with no definitive agreement. Signup and view all the answers

What role do emotional states have in making choices according to the concept of bounded rationality?

They can impair better judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Pre-Classical Approaches to understanding crime?

Explanations primarily based on divine and spiritual beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the views held by the Classical School of criminology?

Criminal behavior results from rational decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Who are the philosophers primarily associated with the Classical School of criminology?

Jeremy Bentham and Cesare Beccaria Signup and view all the answers

What assumption about criminals was challenged by the Classical School?

Criminals are born with inherent evil traits Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of hedonism state regarding human behavior?

Humans are conditioned to pursue pleasure and avoid pain Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of criminal justice was prominent during the Pre-Classical period?

Use of torture for obtaining confessions Signup and view all the answers

What motivated decision-making at the governmental level according to Utilitarianism?

Maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain Signup and view all the answers

What role did religious authorities play in the realms of crime during the Pre-Classical Approaches?

They governed the sentencing and punishments without oversight Signup and view all the answers

What principle underlies the decisions made by individuals according to the Classical School philosophy?

Hedonistic calculus of pleasure and pain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT consistent with Beccaria's arguments against punishment?

Violent interrogations can be justified. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mens rea' refer to in the context of the Classical School?

The mental state of the offender at the time of the crime Signup and view all the answers

According to the writings of Bentham and Beccaria, what is a pivotal function of punishment?

To deter future criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of crime does Rational Choice Theory primarily focus on?

Choices made by individuals in the moment Signup and view all the answers

What essential concept regarding the law is supported by the writings of both Bentham and Beccaria?

Laws should be equally applied to all individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is emphasized as influencing criminal behavior in Choice-Based Approaches?

Choice and decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What was Bentham's view on the use of severe punishments?

They serve no practical or utilitarian purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 6: Introduction to Criminological Theory

Criminological theory examines the causes of crime.
Part II of the course focuses on criminological theory, beginning this week.
The course covers pre-Classical, Classical, and modern choice-based approaches to crime.

Introduction to Criminological Theory

People study crime to understand why people, particularly criminals, commit crimes.
Criminological theories aim to answer such questions, among others.

Criminological Theory

Theories of crime inform all levels of the criminal justice system, from street-level policing to the Supreme Court.
Theories should continually develop, test, and update, although this is not always the case.
Theories guide many daily decisions and outlooks.
Successful theories endure, while unsuccessful ones lose favor.

A 'Good' Criminological Theory

A logical and consistent theory must support its conclusions with empirical evidence.
It is testable, parsimonious, and adaptable to new developments.
It's theoretically universal or at least adaptable.
It can help understand criminal behaviors and can lead to policy changes.

Importance of Criminological Theory

Theory informs policy.
Theory can lead to effective crime prevention and law enforcement.
Theory can identify inequalities and inefficiencies within the criminal justice system.
Theory generates new scientific developments.
Theory helps understand various social, biological, and psychological issues.

Theory in Context

Theories exist within the context of their time.
Theories are influenced by politics, culture, society, and trends.
Theories that were once obscure may appear obvious later given changing social contexts.

Pre-Classical Approaches

Pre-classical approaches to crime predate modern criminological and sociological study.
These approaches emphasize spiritual, supernatural, or divine explanations of crime.
Pre-classical theory often attributes crime to demonic possession or supernatural influences, and does not focus on choice.

Pre-Classical Assumptions about Crime/Criminals

Traditional thinking viewed criminals as possessed by evil demons.
Criminals were not held accountable for their actions, but rather seen as victims of a higher power.
Few protections existed for the accused.
Torturing the accused was a common method of interrogation as well as executing offenders.
Criminals were mostly violently punished after confession without any attempt at rehabilitation or healing.
Those involved in dispensing of justice were religious leaders or clergy with little or no oversight.

The Classical School of Criminology

Arose during the Enlightenment, roughly during the 17th century.
This period saw significant social, political, and scientific change.
The Classical School challenged old assumptions about crime, and advocated reform.
Key theorists in the school included Jeremy Bentham and Cesare Beccaria.

Key Concepts of the Classical School

Hedonism: Humans seek pleasure and avoid pain.
Utilitarianism: Actions should be taken to maximize good and minimize harm.
Rationality: People are assumed to make reasoned decisions, weighing costs and benefits before acting.
Deterrence: Punishment should be proportionate to the crime to deter future similar offenses.

Bentham's Panopticon

This is a type of prison design that was a key idea of the Classical school.
It reflects their rational thinking about prisons.

Cesare Beccaria's On Crime and Punishment (1764)

Argued against torture and excessive punishments in criminal justice.
Emphasized due process and proportional punishments related to the crime.
Supported fair trials and the social contract.
Proposed that punishments should focus on preventing rather than punishing.

Modern Choice-Based Theories of Crime

Choice-based approaches heavily rely on the concepts of the Classical School.
They also draw on economic theory (neo-classical economics).
These theories focus on present-day choices, rather than past experiences.
They recognize that criminals can be rational actors, regardless of whether we agree with their choices.
The concept of 'bounded rationality' explains how people may make seemingly poor choices due to limited information.

Rational Choice Theory (Cornish and Clarke, 1986)

Highlights the costs and benefits of any action, including crime.
Crime occurs when anticipated benefits outweigh perceived costs. Criminals weigh the costs and benefits.

Rational Choice Explanation

Routine Activities Theory (Cohen and Felson, 1979):
Crime occurs when three factors come together: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.
Criminals and offences are complex.
The theory posits that there are no good/bad outcomes to crimes.

Modern Criminological Theories

Modern theories evolved in the 20th century, incorporating new insights, and evidence from various disciplines.
Though the different schools of thought have strength, they also present weaknesses.
Modern criminology is an active field with ongoing debate and theoretical advancements including biological, psychological, sociological, etc.

Next Week's Topics

Biological approaches to crime
Psychological approaches to crime.
Writing Assignment #2 (availability will vary per class).

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Description

This quiz explores key characteristics and the importance of criminological theories. It addresses how theories evolve over time and the effects of effective theoretical frameworks in criminology. Test your understanding of the fundamentals and implications of criminological theories.