Understanding Crime and Criminology

The category of 'crime' is complex and not always clear-cut. Deciding what constitutes a crime can be difficult, and what might be considered a crime in one situation, may not in another.

A scenario involving a violent stranger robbing a pedestrian and leaving them injured likely fits most people's understanding of a crime.

A scenario where a group of individuals engage in sado-masochistic activities, including inflicting pain and injury upon each other, raises complex questions about the boundaries of crime and consent.

The act of hurting or harming another individual.

The law generally does not recognize consent as a valid defense for assault, meaning even with agreement a crime may have occurred.

Exceptions for consent in assault exist, such as medical procedures performed by qualified healthcare professionals.

The difficulty in defining crime leads to challenges in identifying and prosecuting criminals.

The law applies differently in cases of sexual activity, with consent being a crucial factor in determining whether a crime has occurred.

The idea that the wealthy and powerful use the criminal justice system to control the poor.

A theory suggesting that crime is not inherent to the act itself, but rather defined by the social context and meanings assigned to it.

The study of how people interact and interpret symbols to create shared meanings.

A book by Nils Christie that argues crime does not exist independently but is assigned meaning based on social frameworks.

The process of following the trajectory of an act through various social contexts and analyzing how different meanings are assigned to it.

The idea that the way certain behaviours are treated can vary significantly over time due to shifts in social norms and values.

The period in 1960s Britain characterized by a more relaxed and liberal attitude towards social norms.

Looking at how the treatment and understanding of certain behaviours change over time can provide insights into the socially constructed nature of crime.

The period in history when laws were passed that made formerly illegal activities, like abortion and homosexual acts, legal.

The law passed in 1967 in Britain that allowed for abortions under certain circumstances.

The law passed in 1967 in Britain that decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting adults.

The period in American history (1920-1933) when the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were prohibited.

The use of opium, specifically heroin and cocaine, was legal until the First World War.

International human rights law has emerged to regulate the behavior of nations and individuals.

An international court established to prosecute individuals accused of crimes against humanity.

The prosecution of war criminals based on international treaties and institutions.

A group of sociologists and criminologists who were drawn to the study of crime and deviance in the 1960s and 1970s, attracted by the opportunity to explore new perspectives and methods.

The study of crime and deviance that focuses on the processes and practices within the criminal justice system, rather than the offenders themselves.

The tendency for British criminology to shift its focus away from theoretical explanations and towards practical, empirical studies of the criminal justice system.

A notable shift in the subject matter of British criminology, moving from a focus on offenders to a focus on the workings of the criminal justice system.

Founded in 1959, this institute became a significant centre for criminological research and education in Britain.

A prominent figure in British criminology, who served as the first director of the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge in 1959.

This term refers to a sociological perspective that primarily focuses on the functions of social structures and institutions.

A term that describes the use of objective and scientific methods to study social phenomena.

The idea that actions taken to address international problems, like war crimes, can be seen as attempts by powerful nations (like Western countries) to force their own values and beliefs onto others, rather than being based on truly universal principles.

The argument that political motivations and interests often play a significant role in decisions about intervening in the affairs of other countries.

The question of when it is justifiable for one or more countries to intervene in the internal affairs of another country.

The debate about the role of international institutions in upholding universal values and addressing international crimes, specifically focusing on the issue of whether these institutions reflect a global consensus or primarily reflect the values of powerful nations.

The complex and challenging question of how to balance the need to hold individuals accountable for international crimes with the potential for bias or power imbalances in international justice systems.

A notable example of international intervention in the face of allegations of war crimes, involving the prosecution of Slobodan Milošević at the International Criminal Court.

The process of formally charging someone with crimes against humanity, especially those committed during armed conflict.

The British Society of Criminology (BSC) was founded in the late 1950s to provide an alternative to the existing 'Scientific Group for the Discussion of Delinquent Problems', which was perceived as dominated by psychiatric and clinical perspectives. The BSC aimed to be more multidisciplinary and broaden the focus on crime and justice.

The British Society of Criminology (BSC) has grown significantly since its inception in 1957. Today, there are a large number of members, conferences, and educational programs dedicated to the study of criminology.

A key shift in the field of criminology involved moving beyond the clinical and psychiatric perspectives. This meant incorporating broader social, cultural, and political factors into the study of crime and justice.

The British Society of Criminology (BSC) aimed to be more inclusive by embracing different disciplines, breaking away from the dominance of psychiatry and clinical perspectives.

The emergence of new perspectives in criminology, like those presented by the BSC, highlighted the importance of understanding the social and historical context of crime.

Stan Cohen, a prominent criminologist, noted the BSC's multidisciplinary nature with a strong emphasis on clinical perspectives in the early years.

The history of crime and justice is a key area of study within criminology that provides insights into how crime and punishment have evolved over time.

The vast and complex nature of criminology makes it challenging to capture and summarize its key aspects. This complexity is part of what makes the field unique.