Introduction to Criminology and Deviance

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'dark figure of crime' refer to?

Crimes that receive media coverage

The number of unreported or undiscovered crimes (correct)

Statistical errors in crime reporting

Reported crimes that have gone unsolved

How does the NIBRS differ from the UCR?

NIBRS includes more crime categories than UCR

NIBRS replaced UCR in January 2021 and does not employ the hierarchy rule (correct)

NIBRS is only used for violent crime statistics

NIBRS uses a hierarchy rule for reporting crimes

What is triangulation in the context of crime measurement?

A method to classify crimes into three types

A statistical technique to analyze crime trends over time

A research approach that uses multiple methods to gain a comprehensive view (correct)

A technique to collect data from three different countries

What is the central idea of the consensus perspective on crime?

Everyone in society shares a common understanding of right and wrong Signup and view all the answers

What recent trend has been observed in crime rates for both property and violent crimes?

They have decreased in recent years across all categories Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of money laundering?

To hide the source of illegal money Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of human trafficking?

A person being coerced into domestic servitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the money laundering process?

Filtering Signup and view all the answers

What defines migrant smuggling?

Financial gain from the illegal entry of a person into a country Signup and view all the answers

Which organization estimated the cost of global organized crime to be $870 billion?

UNODC Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes power syndicates from patron-client networks?

Power syndicates rely on strong arm tactics and extortion. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is common among organized criminals according to the content?

They follow a normative code of secrecy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the anomie theory suggest about individuals who engage in syndicate crime?

They share a collective frustration due to blocked means. Signup and view all the answers

According to differential association theory (DAT), how do individuals become involved in crime?

Through interactions that teach them favorable definitions of crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of regime is most conducive to the flourishing of global organized crime?

Regimes characterized by corruption and instability. Signup and view all the answers

What does criminology primarily focus on?

Studying the making and breaking of laws Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes mala in se crimes?

They are behaviors considered inherently wrong across time and place Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a type of UCR Part I index offense?

Vandalism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between UCR/NIBRS and NCVS methods of measuring crime?

UCR/NIBRS only includes crimes reported to law enforcement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of mala prohibita crime?

Prostitution Signup and view all the answers

The UCR/NIBRS reports a significant issue with crime statistics. What is it?

Most crimes are often not reported and do not lead to arrests Signup and view all the answers

What type of crimes encompass behaviors that fall out of societal norms?

Deviance Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to compare crime rates across different countries?

There is a lack of international crime reporting systems Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary effect of the Volstead Act of 1919 on organized crime?

It enabled groups selling alcohol to become more strategic and violent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the six elements of organized crime?

Public promotion of illegal activities Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes enterprise syndicates from other crime groups?

They have a clear structure and operate like a business. Signup and view all the answers

How should organized crime be viewed according to the content?

As a matter of degree along a continuum of organization. Signup and view all the answers

In the La Cosa Nostra model, what is emphasized as a characteristic of the organized crime network?

A rigid framework with centralized control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of violence in enterprise syndicates as described in the content?

It is used only as a last resort. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of normative codes within organized crime?

They create rules and expectations for members within the group. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines the significance of specialization within organized crime roles?

Varied roles ensure the organization runs smoothly and profitably. Signup and view all the answers

What is RICO primarily concerned with when proven in a case?

Long prison sentences and asset seizure Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe crimes that are deemed illegal due to laws even if they do not directly harm a victim?

Mala prohibita Signup and view all the answers

Which type of prostitution is described as offering the lowest fees and facing the most police interference?

Street workers Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence noted for deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill?

Public despair due to neglect Signup and view all the answers

What type of prostitution is characterized by arranging ‘tricks’ while enticing customers with drink purchases?

Bar girls Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'broken windows' hypothesis suggest regarding social control and policing?

Addressing minor offenses can prevent larger crimes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of prostitution is typically more selective with clientele and receives higher rewards?

Call girls Signup and view all the answers

How do public order crimes typically become law?

By legislating morality and social control measures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Big Picture Concepts

Criminology is the study of crime and the making of laws. It's a subset of sociology.
Deviance is behavior that falls outside of norms. Laws and norms can change based on the context (time, place, circumstance).
Not all deviance is criminal. All crime is deviant, but not all deviant actions are illegal.
Mala in se behaviors are inherently bad across all times and places (e.g., murder), while mala prohibita behaviors are only bad because they are illegal (depending on where and when).
Criminal justice systems (cops, courts, and justice) don't work together smoothly to create justice.
Crime rates are generally decreasing.

Defining Deviance

Deviance is behavior that is in violation of norms
Norms are social expectations.

Crime Measurement

UCR/NIBRS (Uniform Crime Reporting/National Incident-Based Reporting System) measure crimes reported and arrests. The majority of crimes are not reported, so the data is incomplete.
NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey) measures crimes that were not reported.

Comparing Crime Across Nations

Legal definitions vary.
Reporting and data collection methods vary.
Cultural attitudes to crime vary across countries.
Language barriers pose further measurement issues.

Dark Figure of Crime

Unreported crimes.
Significant amount of crime goes unreported (more than 50%).

NIBRS

Replaced UCR in 2021.
Does not use hierarchy rule (in UCR).

Triangulation

Multiple methods to gain a more thorough understanding of a phenomenon.
Combining different measures of crime.

Conflict vs. Consensus

Consensus: agreement on right/wrong; law reflects that.
Conflict: competition for power; law reflects who holds power at the time.

Crime Patterns Over Time

Violent and property crimes are generally decreasing.

Correlates and Predictors of Crime

Age: younger people are more likely to engage in crime.
Socioeconomic status: lower socioeconomic status is associated with crime.
Gender: more men engage in crime.
Race: racial disparities exist in crime (e.g., more people of color are disproportionately arrested).
Location: certain areas are more prone to crime.

Differential Association Theory

Techniques to learn deviant behavior
Opportunities to commit the crime

Labeling Theory

Labeling someone as deviant can increase the likelihood they will engage in that behavior.
Self-fulfilling prophecy.

Anomie Theory

Lack of clear norms.
Economic goals and limited means.

Routine Activities Theory

Suitable target (e.g., valuables in a car)
Motivated offender (someone who wants to steal the valuables)
Lack of guardianship

White-Collar Crime

Crimes committed by people in positions of power or in the business world.
Includes things like financial fraud or other business crime.

Cost of White-Collar Crime

Exceeds the cost of other criminal activity (e.g., in the billions or trillions of dollars).

Corporate Crime

Companies may commit crimes with the goal of higher profits or maintaining market dominance.
People aren't always held individually responsible.

Political Crime

Crimes committed against the state or by the state (e.g., terrorism, assassination)

Terrorism

Unlawful actions (violence or threats) against civilians or governments, directed at specific goals.
Difficult to define.

Public Order Crime

Crimes that go against societal norms (e.g. prostitution, drug use)
Morality plays a role in determining what is a crime.

Deinstitutionalization, overcriminalization, and decriminalization

These terms relate to the changing of criminal laws, based on the appropriate use of law and what is considered appropriate or not appropriate action for the law to handle.

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Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in criminology, including deviance, crime measurement, and the complexities of criminal justice systems. Explore the distinctions between mala in se and mala prohibita behaviors, and understand how crime rates are changing over time.