School of thought in Criminology Part 2

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Questions and Answers

What was the focus of positivist criminology?

The prevention of criminal behavior through punishment

The modifications necessary for the administration of criminal law

The treatment and rehabilitation of offenders (correct)

The biological basis of criminal behavior

Who is considered the 'father of criminology'?

Adolfe Quetelet

Henry Mayhew

Cesare Lombroso (correct)

Andre-Michel Guerry

What was the main principle guiding the administration of justice according to the classical school?

The fear of punishment as a deterrent (correct)

The modification of criminal law based on practical experience

The rehabilitation of offenders

The prevention of criminal behavior through treatment

According to the due process model, what is emphasized in the criminal justice process?

The importance of individual rights Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of the classical school and its modern derivatives?

The assumption that people always act rationally Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to describe the crime control model and the due process model?

An assembly line and an obstacle course Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the Positivistic School?

Studying the causes of crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of positivist criminological thought?

A deterministic view of the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the premise of the positivist school?

Explaining criminal behavior in terms of biological attributes Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the criticisms of the classical school's approach to justice?

It did not address the causes of crime Signup and view all the answers

What was the main problem with the French Code of 1791, according to the text?

It tried to fix an exact amount of penalty to every crime Signup and view all the answers

What was the neoclassical school's response to the practical problems in the administration of justice according to Beccaria's plan?

Several revisions of the classical approach Signup and view all the answers

According to critical criminologists, why are crime rates not a perfect measure of actual criminality in society?

Because they only measure police activity Signup and view all the answers

What did Edwin Sutherland observe about the treatment of people who engage in harmful behavior?

There is a need to address the inequalities in treatment between those in power and those without power Signup and view all the answers

Why do corporations often export their illegal behavior to countries with less stringent laws?

Because they hold tremendous economic and political influence in those locations Signup and view all the answers

What are the three assumptions of the positivist orientation?

Positivists believe that offenders are often driven to crime by biological factors, psychological impulses, and/or an indifferent social environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between individual positivism and sociological positivism?

Individual positivism is based on theories of a biological and psychological nature, while sociological positivism prefers theories of a social nature. Signup and view all the answers

What are some limitations of the positivist approach?

The positivist approach assumes that pure objectivity is impossible. Signup and view all the answers

According to critical criminology, which groups in society are most likely to suffer oppressive social relations?

Ethnic minority groups and refugees Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism of earlier forms of criminology by critical criminologists?

They failed to acknowledge the role of class, race, and gender in shaping definitions of crime and law Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of Cohen (1980) regarding the behavior of so-called deviant adolescents?

They are engaged in activity that is meaningful to them and that has been labelled as criminal by dominant groups in society Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime does the text suggest costs society more than youth offending?

White collar crime Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason the text gives for why white collar crime is not combated as effectively as other crimes?

Fewer resources are dedicated to combating it Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an example of white collar crime in the text?

Drug trafficking Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit that the powerful perpetrators of white collar crime stand to gain from their wrongdoings?

Material advantage Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that some questionable activities are not criminalized according to the text?

They are considered legal loopholes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a white collar crime according to the text?

Embezzlement Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that youth offending is a regular source of societal condemnation and moral panic according to the text?

Youth are seen as a threat to social order Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of white collar crime according to the text?

Decreased trust in institutions Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that white collar crime is not as well understood as other types of crime according to the text?

There is not enough research on white collar crime Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Positivist Criminology

Focuses on scientific methods and empirical evidence to understand crime and criminal behavior.
Considers biological, psychological, and sociological factors as influences on criminal actions.

Father of Criminology

Cesare Lombroso is regarded as the 'father of criminology,' known for his biological theories of crime.

Classical School Principles

The main principle guiding the administration of justice is the idea of rationality, where punishment is proportionate to the crime and deterrence is emphasized.

Due Process Model

Emphasizes the protection of individual rights and ensuring fair treatment throughout the criminal justice process.

Criticism of the Classical School

Major criticism includes its assumption that individuals are rational actors, ignoring social and environmental factors that influence behavior.

Crime Control Model vs. Due Process Model

Crime control model is described as a "speeding train," focused on efficiency and swift justice, while the due process model is likened to a "constitutional road," ensuring rights and fairness.

Focus of the Positivistic School

Focuses on understanding the underlying factors and causes of criminal behavior rather than just punishment.

Characteristics of Positivist Thought

Primary characteristic is the belief in determining human behavior through empirical research and observable facts.

Premise of the Positivist School

Premise is that social factors, biology, and psychological conditions contribute to criminal behavior.

Criticism of Classical Justice Approach

Criticized for its lack of consideration of the social and contextual influences on individual behavior.

Problem with the French Code of 1791

The major problem was its rigid structure that failed to account for individual circumstances and social contexts.

Neoclassical School Response

Responded to practical issues in administration of justice by advocating for discretion in legal processes and recognizing mitigating circumstances.

Critical Criminology on Crime Rates

Argues that crime rates do not accurately reflect actual criminality due to factors like underreporting and social stigma.

Edwin Sutherland's Observation

Observed that individuals engaging in harmful behavior often faced less social condemnation than conventional criminals.

Corporate Behavior Export

Corporations often export illegal behavior to regions with lax enforcement of laws to maximize profit and reduce legal risks.

Assumptions of Positivist Orientation

Three assumptions include that human behavior is determined by factors beyond control, some individuals are more prone to criminal behavior, and crime can be studied scientifically.

Individual Positivism vs. Sociological Positivism

Individual positivism focuses on the characteristics of the individual criminal, while sociological positivism examines the societal context influencing crime.

Limitations of Positivist Approach

Limitations include potential neglect of free will, over-reliance on biological determinism, and insufficient consideration of cultural variances.

Critical criminology posits that marginalized groups, such as the poor and racial minorities, are most likely to experience oppressive social relations.

Earlier Criminology Criticism

Critical criminologists criticize earlier forms for their failure to address power inequalities and the socio-economic factors influencing crime.

Cohen's Argument on Deviant Adolescents

Argues that behaviors labeled as deviant may stem from societal rejection and structural inequalities rather than inherent deviance.

Cost of Crime

Suggests white-collar crime costs society more than youth offending due to its extensive financial and social impacts.

White Collar Crime Combat

One reason for less effective combatting of white-collar crime is the complexity of financial practices and lack of public awareness.

White Collar Crime Examples

Specific examples of white-collar crime include fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading.

Benefits for Perpetrators

Powerful perpetrators stand to gain financial advantages and maintain social status through white-collar crime.

Non-Criminalized Activities

Some questionable activities remain non-criminalized due to lack of political will or established norms favoring the status quo.

Youth Offending and Moral Panic

Youth offending triggers societal condemnation and moral panic due to perceptions of vulnerability and threat to societal order.

Consequences of White Collar Crime

One consequence includes significant economic harm to victims, eroding trust in financial institutions and broader social systems.

Understanding of White Collar Crime

Generally less understood due to its complex nature and prevalence in high-status contexts, which makes it less visible compared to conventional crime.

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Description

Test your knowledge of criminology theories with this quiz. Explore the concepts of positivist criminology, the classical school, and the due process and crime control models.