1- Slides

Criminology

The study of the bases and implications of criminal laws, including how they emerge, function, and the consequences for violators.

Harmful behavior

Actions that cause harm and can be considered criminal, not limited to legal definitions.

Social construction of crime

The process by which societies determine what behaviors are labeled as criminal.

John Stuart Mill's harm principle

The principle that power can only be rightfully exercised to prevent harm to others.

Paternalism

The idea that liberties may be limited to prevent individuals from causing harm to themselves.

Moralism

The limitation of liberties based on societal rejection of behavior, regardless of harm.

Offense principle

The idea that liberties may be limited if behavior offends others, regardless of actual harm.

Social norm

A standard rule that dictates what individuals should or should not do in specific circumstances.

Cultural norms

Simplified representations of the complexities of everyday life that are codified into laws.

Definition setting in criminology

The process by which communities and groups define their own norms and the influences involved.

Sensitizing concepts

The ideas or terms that help to structure how individuals and societies experience and interpret social realities.

Frames

Simplifications of societal norms that help define appropriate behavior in specific contexts.

Disproportionate influence

The unequal ability of certain groups to shape definitions of crime and behavior.

Digitalisation and 'bubbles'

The impact of digital environments on societal definitions and perceptions of crime.

Theorising harmful behavior

The study of why certain groups are treated differently by legal definitions and responses to crime.