Theories of Criminal Behavior

Just World Hypothesis

The belief that the world is just and that people get what they deserve. Ex - a beaten wife must have done something to provoke her spouse (general) or “i usually get what I deserve” (personal)

Scientific theory of crime

a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena. Terms must be precise. Should provide a general explanation that encompasses and systematically connects many different social, economic, and psychological variables to criminal behaviors and be supported by research

Classical theory

If people realized in advance that severe punishment would follow, regardless of social status or privileges, they would choose not to commit crime. Relies on free will as the core concept

Deterrence theory

Modern version of classical theory. proposes that people will avoid committing crime if the possibility of punishment is great enough. eg - the death penalty

Positive theory

Argues prior experiences and influences determine present behaviors

Conformity Perspective

theoretical position that humans are born basically good and generally try to do the right thing. Humans are creatures of conformity who want to do the right thing. branch of “positive psychology”

Strain theory

Merton - theory that crime and delinquency occur when there is a perceived discrepancy between the materialistic values and goals cherished and held in high esteem by a society and the availability of the legitimate means for reaching these goals. Humans are fundamentally conforming beings, strongly influenced by values and attitudes of society in which they live.

Non-conformist perspective

humans will naturally try to get away with anything they can, including illegal conduct, unless social controls are imposed. Does NOT blame the people for their imperfections

Social Control Theory

crime and delinquency will occur when an individual ties to conventional order/normative standards are weak or largely nonexistent.

Perceives human nature as fundamentally “bad” or at least “imperfect” and the innate tendencies are controlled by society

General theory of crime

Crime and delinquency can be explained largely by deficits in self control and self regulation (AKA self control theory). Contreversial part = (according to the theory) self control is a stable trait that is fully in place in childhood, usually by age 8, and is not likley to change agter that. - *Researchers tested and found that self control can develop and change after the age of 8*

Learning perspective

humans were born neutral and behaviorally a blank slate - subject to developmental changes throughout life. Argues behaviors, beliefs, and tendencies are learned from the social environment

Differential association theory

Criminal behavior is primarliy due to obtaining values and messages from others, including (but not limited to) those who engage with crime.

Critical factors - who the person engages with, how early, long, and frequently, and how personally meaningful the association is.

not an emotional disturbance or innate goodness or badness

“bad company promotes bad behavior”

Social disorganization

the extent to which unfavorable conditions - unemployment, deteriorating infrastructures, unoccupied housing, illegal activities… - exist in a community

Developmental approach

Examines the changes and influences (risk factors) across a person’s lifetime that contribute to the formation of antisocial and criminal behavior or, alternatively, that protect individuals with many risk factors in their lives

Trait

relatively stable and enduring tendency to behave in a particular way across time and place. Belived by some to be the basic building blocks of personality

Disposition

In persionality theory, a term that signifies internal or personality determinants of human behavior. These theorists look to inner conflicts, beliefs, personal needs, traits, or attitudes to explain behavior

Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter

the willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another

Robbery

the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of the person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear

Aggravated assualt

An unlawful attack by one person on anotehr for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury; attempts to inflict injury are also included

Burglary

The unlawful entry into any structure to commit a felony or theft

Larceny-theft

the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away with of property from the possession or constructive possession of another; including crimes like shoplifting, pocket picking, purse snatching, thefts from motor vehicles, and bike thefts

Arson

any willing or malicious buring or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling, public building, motor vehicle, aircraft, or personal property of another

Motor vehicle theft

theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, defined as a self-propelled vehicle that runs on land surfaces, not rails.

Simple assault

assault in which no weapon is used and which does not result in serious or aggravated injury to victim

forgery and counterfeiting

making, altering, or possessing, with intent to defraud, anything false in the semeblance of that which is true

fraud

fraudulent conversion and obtaining money or property by false pretenses

embezzlement

misappropriation or misapplication of money entrusted to one’s care, custody, or control

Clearance rate

the proportion of reported crimes that have been “solved” through the arrest and turning over of at least one person for prosecution. Also through exceptional means such as teh death of the person about to be arrested

Dark Figure

The number of crimes that go unreported in official crime data reports

Hierarchy rule

In the UCR, the rule that requires only the most serious crime in a series be reported in the crime stats. The exception is arson, which is always reported

Intimate partner violence

Crimes committed agains persons by their current or former spouses of sig others

Status offenses

A class of illegal behavior that only persons with certain characteristics or status can commit. Used almost exclusively to refer to the behavior of juviniles. Ex - running away from home, violating curfew, buying alcohol, skipping school

Antisocial Behavior

Clinical term reserved for serious habitual behavior, especially that involving direct harm to others