HGA108 Week 1 flash cards what is criminology

What is criminology?

The study of crime and criminal justice institutions, intersecting with various academic disciplines like sociology, psychology, and law.

Who are considered criminologists?

Experts who analyze crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system, often borrowing from various fields.

What distinguishes criminology from sociology?

Criminology specifically focuses on crime and criminal justice, whereas sociology covers broader social structures and relationships.

What is the legal definition of crime?

An intentional act or omission that violates criminal law, committed without defense or justification, and sanctioned by the state.

What is a significant problem with legal definitions of crime?

They can be reactionary and may not recognize certain harmful behaviors, like domestic violence, as criminal.

How do human rights definitions define crime?

A crime has occurred when human rights are violated, regardless of whether the act is legally defined as a crime.

What is a social harm approach to defining crime?

It considers actions that inflict economic, social, psychological, or environmental harm upon society, regardless of legal definitions.

How can powerful interests shape definitions of crime?

Definitions can reflect the interests of those in power, often leading to the omission of crimes that affect marginalized groups.

Why is defining 'crime' notoriously difficult?

It varies across time, culture, and jurisdiction, making it a subjective and elusive concept.

What role do criminologists play in analyzing criminal behavior?

They examine crime through various lenses, such as legal, human rights, and social perspectives, to understand its complexities and impacts.

What did Beccaria and Bentham contribute to criminology?

Progressive ideas about punishment that should fit the crime and advocacy against the death penalty.

What is an example of a crime that was legal in the past but is now considered illegal?

Rape in marriage was only criminalized in New South Wales in 1981.

What is the significance of the panopticon in criminology?

A design proposed by Bentham for monitoring inmates, emphasizing the relationship between surveillance and control.

How does criminology address state crimes?

Criminologists analyze actions taken by the state that violate rights or harm individuals or groups, encompassing policies like asylum seeker treatment.

What impact do criminologists hope to achieve through their research?

By critically examining crime and societal responses, they aim to highlight injustices and advocate for change.

What relationship exists between crime and media portrayal?

Media often emphasizes sensational crime stories, shaping public perceptions and influencing policy focus away from more prevalent issues.