Victimology and Criminal Justice Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core theorists, theories, historical milestones, legal structures, and victim rights covered in the lecture notes.

Hammurabi Code

The law recognized as the first victims' rights law because it recognized that victims should receive compensation for harms committed against them.

Victims' Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s

The most significant event affecting the victims' movement.

Feminist Movement

A movement important to victimology because it highlighted sexual assault, domestic violence, and gender-based victimization.

von Hentig

A criminologist who focused on characteristics that may make individuals vulnerable to victimization.

Mendelsohn

A scholar who developed victim typologies and examined the degree of victim responsibility.

Schafer's Theory of Functional Responsibility

A victimology theory that argues victim behavior may contribute to victimization.

Wolfgang

A researcher who contributed to victimology through his study of victim precipitation in homicide.

Victimology Theories

Theoretical perspectives in the field that include Lifestyle theory, Routine activities theory, Deviant place theory, Social learning perspectives, and Critical victimology.

Future Goals of the Victims' Movement

Key future objectives for the victims' movement, which include greater victim participation and improved services.

Victim

Someone who suffers harm due to criminal conduct or abuse of power.

Critical Criminologist View of Victimology

A perspective that focuses on power inequalities and argues that social structures can create victims.

Victim Service Providers

Professionals who need to understand the criminal justice system to help victims navigate investigations and understand their rights.

Separate State and Federal Courts

A court system setup that divides authority and specializes in different legal matters.

Juvenile Transfer to Adult Court

The legal mechanism by which courts may transfer juveniles to adult court for serious crimes.

Constitutional Rights of Victims

The principle that victims deserve protections, but constitutional rights are specifically designed for those facing punishment.

Victim Plea Bargain Veto

A issue in the criminal justice system where arguments exist for both sides regarding the role of victims' voices.