29 Questions
What is the difference between criminal law and common law?
Criminal law is written down, while common law is not
What is the scope of criminology?
The study of crime prevention and control
Who first used the term 'criminology'?
A French sociologist called Toppinard
What is the law?
All forms of law
What is the meaning of the word 'criminology'?
The study of crime
Which of the following is NOT one of the fields of specialisation in criminology identified by Bezuidenhout and Little?
Criminal psychology
According to Sutherland's definition of criminology, what does the third aspect of reacting to lawbreaking refer to?
The work of the police, courts, and correctional services
Who is celebrated as the father of American criminology, according to the text?
Edwin H. Sutherland
What is the scientific approach to the study and analysis of crime phenomena and criminal behaviour, according to Brown, Esbensen and Geis?
Criminology
What is the main focus of victimology in criminology?
The study of crime victims and their experiences and perceptions
What is the juridical concept of crime, according to the Department of Criminology and Security Science at the University of South Africa?
The study of criminal law
What is the goal of criminology?
To understand criminal behavior and benefit society
What is the field of study for criminology, as described in the text?
Crime, criminals, victims, punishment, and prevention and control of crime
What is the scientific method, as described in the text?
A tool for separating truth from error by demanding evidence for any conclusions criminologists arrive at
What does it mean for criminology to study crime in its relativity?
That criminology studies crime context and all aspects of the crime phenomenon
What is the consequence of crime, according to the text?
A whole set of factors
What are some questions that criminologists ask, as stated in the text?
Why do some people become victims while others do not?
Where is criminology typically taught in South African universities?
In the Faculty of Social/Human Sciences
Which of the following is NOT a potential career path for a criminologist?
Pediatrician
What category of science does criminology fall under?
Social or human sciences
What is the difference between criminology as the study of crime and criminal justice, and criminology as the functional study of the police, courts, and correctional services?
The former focuses on the causes of crime, while the latter focuses on the criminal justice system
What are the requirements that a subject must meet in order to qualify as an independent discipline, according to Johnson (1978)?
It must have its own object of study, it must be possible to identify a unique, clearly demarcated area of study, and it must have its own procedures or scientific methodology
Is criminology a dynamic discipline?
Yes, it is a dynamic discipline
According to Beukman, what are the main functions of criminologists?
Lecturing at universities or colleges
What is Schmalleger's definition of criminology?
The scientific study of crime and criminal behaviour, including the ways in which crime occurs, the causes of crime, the legal aspects of crime and crime control, as well as possible solutions to the crime problem
What is the fundamental task of a criminologist?
To study, define, describe, interpret, explain and indicate policy directions in respect of crime, criminal behaviour and victimisation
What is the role of criminologists in developing programmes for preventing crime?
To develop appropriate programmes for preventing crime based on research findings on the causes of crime
What are some examples of occupations that people with a post-graduate degree in Criminology can pursue?
Academics, police officers, parole officers, and people working in the field of correctional services and support services in the courts
What is the purpose of victim impact statements?
To bring the harm suffered by victims to the court's attention and this is then taken into consideration in determining a sentence
Study Notes
Differences Between Criminal Law and Common Law
- Criminal law governs crimes and punishments, while common law is based on judicial decisions and precedents.
- Common law evolves through court rulings, reflecting societal changes, whereas criminal law is codified by statutes.
Scope of Criminology
- Criminology examines the nature, causes, and consequences of crime, focusing on criminal behavior, societal responses, and victimization.
Origin of Term 'Criminology'
- The term 'criminology' was first used by Raffaele Garofalo in the late 19th century.
Definition of Law
- Law consists of rules and guidelines, established and enforced by governing bodies, designed to maintain order and protect citizens.
Meaning of 'Criminology'
- Criminology refers to the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and societal reactions to crime.
Fields of Specialization in Criminology
- Fields include criminal behavior analysis, forensic psychology, and victimology, with others identified by Bezuidenhout and Little.
Sutherland's Definition of Criminology
- The third aspect of Sutherland's definition pertains to societal reactions and responses to lawbreaking, focusing on enforcement and rehabilitation.
Father of American Criminology
- Edwin Sutherland is celebrated as the father of American criminology for his contributions to the field.
Scientific Approach to Crime Studies
- Brown, Esbensen, and Geis describe the scientific approach as employing empirical methods to analyze crime and criminal behavior systematically.
Focus of Victimology
- Victimology in criminology emphasizes the study of victims, their experiences, and the impact of crime on them.
Juridical Concept of Crime
- The juridical concept of crime encompasses acts that violate laws and are subject to prosecution and punishment, as defined by the University of South Africa's Department of Criminology.
Goal of Criminology
- The primary goal of criminology is to understand crime to prevent and control its occurrence effectively.
Field of Study for Criminology
- Criminology is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates insights from sociology, psychology, law, and public policy.
Scientific Method in Criminal Study
- The scientific method involves systematic observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and analysis in studying crime-related phenomena.
Studying Crime in Its Relativity
- Criminology studies crime concerning social, cultural, and historical contexts to appreciate its variability and complexity.
Consequences of Crime
- Crime results in social disruption, psychological harm to victims, economic losses, and impacts on community safety.
Questions Criminologists Ask
- Criminologists explore questions regarding the nature of crime, the effectiveness of justice systems, and the factors influencing criminal behavior.
Teaching of Criminology in South Africa
- Criminology is typically taught within social science or law faculties at South African universities.
Potential Career Paths for Criminologists
- Common careers include forensic analyst, crime prevention specialist, and research investigator, with some paths not covered by the listed options.
Category of Science for Criminology
- Criminology is categorized as a social science, studying societal aspects of crime and justice.
Differences in Criminology Focus
- Criminology can focus on crime as a social phenomenon or on the functioning of justice systems, encompassing policing and corrections.
Requirements for Independent Discipline
- For a subject to qualify as an independent discipline, it must meet distinct criteria such as theoretical frameworks and methodologies, as per Johnson (1978).
Dynamic Nature of Criminology
- Criminology is dynamic, evolving with new research findings, societal changes, and emerging crime trends.
Functions of Criminologists
- According to Beukman, criminologists analyze crime patterns, advise policy formulation, and contribute to crime prevention efforts.
Schmalleger's Definition of Criminology
- Schmalleger defines criminology as the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the social responses to such phenomena.
Fundamental Task of a Criminologist
- The primary task involves researching crime and contributing to a deeper understanding of its causes and consequences.
Role in Crime Prevention Programs
- Criminologists develop and evaluate programs aimed at preventing crime through education, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
Occupations for Post-Graduate Criminology Graduates
- Career opportunities include criminal justice consultant, legislative analyst, and victim advocacy coordinator, among other roles.
Purpose of Victim Impact Statements
- Victim impact statements serve to inform the court about the emotional, psychological, and financial effects of the crime on victims.
Test your knowledge of criminology and its areas of study with this quiz. Explore the scientific study of lawmaking and lawbreaking, crime prevention and control, and victimization profiling. Get ready to learn about the fascinating world of criminology!
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