Introduction to Criminology

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Questions and Answers

Which factor most significantly contributes to the mass media's distortion of crime, criminals, and victims?

The under- and over-representation of specific demographics to create sensational narratives. (correct)
The inherent complexity of legal terminology.
A deliberate effort to promote specific political agendas.
A lack of access to accurate crime statistics.

The concept of 'Black on Black crime' is often critiqued for what primary ideological effect?

Highlighting the prevalence of intra-racial crime across all racial groups.
Ignoring the socio-economic factors that contribute to crime within communities. (correct)
Providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities of crime statistics.
Promoting community-based solutions to address local crime issues.

How does the mass media's portrayal of drug users and dealers often differ from actual drug use and sentencing patterns?

Emphasis on rehabilitation and treatment options for drug-related offenders.
Overrepresentation of certain demographics, especially in relation to harsher sentencing. (correct)
A focus on the detrimental health effects and dangers of usage.
An accurate and proportional representation of different racial demographics involved in drug-related activities.

What is the primary goal of establishing and maintaining social order?

To maintain stability, prevent chaos, and encourage adherence to laws and norms. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main mechanisms through which social order is typically enforced?

Coercion (physical or legal force) and consent. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ideological effects' refer to in the context of crime images?

The embedded messages about class, race, and gender within crime images and their societal impact. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is hegemony primarily maintained within a society?

Through the use of cultural forms and processes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between hegemonic and counter-hegemonic forces within a society?

Hegemonic forces reinforce existing arrangements, while counter-hegemonic forces challenge them. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily drives globalization through enhanced connectivity?

Advancements in media and social media (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for an event to be officially categorized and counted as a crime?

Acknowledgement as a crime, reporting, and law enforcement agreement. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does focusing on 'proto-criminal events' contribute to the understanding of crime?

It draws attention to events not yet officially recognized as crimes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why might crime rates be favored over crime incidences when analyzing crime statistics?

Incidences account for population size, allowing better comparison. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'over-representation' of certain crimes in media and society suggest about public perception?

The crimes receive disproportionate attention relative to their actual frequency. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do the 'True Crime Rate' (TRC) and the 'Dark Figure of Crime' relate to 'Crimes Known to Police' (CKP)?

TRC and the Dark Figure represent crimes not included in CKP. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'reportability' of a crime influence crime statistics and the understanding of crime trends?

Differences in reportability can cause under-counting or over-counting of specific crimes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes official crime measures from unofficial crime measures?

Official measures are collected by government agencies; unofficial measures are collected independently. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does newsmaking criminology aim to counteract media bias in crime reporting?

By providing alternative interpretations and contextualizing media representations of crime. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between fear of crime and actual crime rates?

Fear of crime is socially patterned and often disproportionate to actual crime rates, influenced by factors like media consumption. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fear of crime, how is 'stranger danger' a socially constructed concept?

It emphasizes the risk of crime from unknown individuals, despite data showing many crimes are committed by acquaintances. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is fear of crime used as a social resource?

To promote narratives, scapegoating, and support for harsher penalties and increased surveillance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do the legal and sociological definitions of crime differ in their approach?

The legal definition is straightforward and written, focusing on codified laws, while the sociological definition is broader and considers political and social contexts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the definition of crime important in criminology?

Because definitions determine which behaviors are studied, how crime is measured, and the policies implemented to address it. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does media consumption correlate with fear of crime?

Higher media consumption generally correlates with higher fear of crime. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately contrasts street crime and suite crime (white-collar crime)?

Suite crime is less likely to be shown in the media, while street crime is disproportionately represented. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do media depictions, official statistics, and crime myths contribute to the maintenance of hegemony?

By reinforcing dominant ideologies and societal norms, shaping public perception to align with the interests of those in power. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the significance of implicit bias as a cultural phenomenon?

It is shaped by cultural stereotypes, media portrayals, and societal norms, impacting perceptions and actions at a broad level. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies the principle of stare decisis in a legal context?

A court reviews a past decision on a similar case to guide its current ruling. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does implicit bias relate to social order?

By reinforcing and being reinforced by existing social structures, cultural norms, and stereotypes, thereby perpetuating the status quo. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does a 'status offense' differ from other types of offenses under the law?

It is only considered illegal when committed by individuals below a certain age. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In jurisdictions with strict liability laws, under what circumstances can a person be found guilty of a crime?

Regardless of their intent or mental state at the time the crime was committed. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies the influence of implicit bias within the criminal justice system?

Jurors unconsciously interpreting evidence in a way that confirms pre-existing stereotypes about a defendant's race, influencing their verdict. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates felonies from misdemeanors in the U.S. legal system?

Felonies typically involve more severe penalties, such as lengthy prison sentences. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy would be most effective in mitigating the effects of implicit bias?

Engaging in deliberate, conscious thought to override automatic associations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between jail and prison facilities in the context of the criminal justice system?

Jails are typically used for individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences, while prisons are for longer-term incarcerations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do the implications of implicit biases affect stops/searches, arrests, bail, prosecutions, sentencing, and juries within the CJS?

They can lead to discriminatory practices and disproportionate outcomes, perpetuating inequalities for certain groups. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central claim behind the concept of the 'white gaze'?

It is a reference to a viewpoint that is a partial perspective, it makes black people “different and dangerous.” (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what fundamental way does criminal law differ from civil law?

Criminal law focuses on punishment for offenses against society, while civil law aims to compensate victims for harm. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the ideological, historical, and hegemonic implications of 'the white gaze' perspective?

It is a historically constructed, dominant viewpoint that portrays Black individuals as 'different' and potentially dangerous. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'analogous social injury' in the context of criminal justice?

Acts that produce harms similar to those caused by criminal acts, suggesting they should potentially be criminalized. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'global/international approach to crime' primarily differ from national approaches?

It addresses crimes that transcend national borders and affect the international community as a whole. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does 'slate cleaning' affect crime data?

It distorts crime statistics by clearing crimes through arrests, regardless of accuracy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most significantly influences police discretion in deciding whether to report a crime?

Community demographics, resource availability, and local politics. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of over-relying on the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data?

It may skew public perception and increase fear of crime, based on an incomplete picture. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'time-in-sample bias' affect the data collected by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)?

It leads to under-reporting as participants become fatigued or less willing to report incidents over time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say that the 'crime problem' is socially constructed?

The perception and definition of what constitutes a crime problem are shaped by societal factors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do 'claims-makers' influence the perception of social problems?

They frame conditions as problematic and advocate for specific responses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'moral entrepreneurs' play in the social construction of crime?

They construct definitions of deviance and influence others' perceptions of what is criminal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Guardian's 'The Counted' project illustrate the concept of facts as theory-laden?

It highlights the subjective choices involved in data collection and interpretation, influencing the narrative around police killings. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Implicit Bias

Unaware and involuntary cognition influencing actions, decisions, perceptions.

Cultural Phenomenon of Implicit Bias

Implicit bias shaped by culture including stereotypes and media.