week 1 & 2 intro to crim

What is a criminological theory?

An explanation for phenomena, comprising objective evidence, systematic observation, and a rational explanation.

Why do theories matter in criminology?

They provide elements for research plans, guide policy development, and allow policy evaluation.

What are the three major theory classifications?

Macro vs. micro-level, classical vs. positivist, and consensus vs. critical perspectives.

Cesare Beccaria's contribution

Advocated for rational, systematic punishment during the Enlightenment Era.

Jeremy Bentham's contribution

Developed a utilitarian approach focused on crime prevention through deterrence.

Classical Deterrence Theory

A rational choice perspective where individuals act to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

What are the three key principles of deterrence theory?

Certainty, severity, and celerity of punishment.

Certainty of punishment

The likelihood of being caught and punished; has the strongest deterrent effect.

Severity of punishment

The degree of punishment; must outweigh crime benefits but has limited research support.

Celerity of punishment

The speed with which punishment follows the crime; has little research evidence for effectiveness.

Specific deterrence

When an individual experiences punishment and refrains from reoffending to avoid returning to prison.

General deterrence

Aimed at preventing crime among the general population through visible legal consequences.

Main criticisms of deterrence theory

Overly simplistic, overemphasizes rational decision-making, and ignores broader social and psychological factors.

Environmental criminology

An approach emphasizing the role of opportunities in crime occurrence and place-based prevention.

Role of GIS in environmental criminology

Enables sophisticated spatial crime analysis, mapping patterns and high-risk locations.

Core theories of environmental criminology

Rational Choice Theory, Routine Activity Theory, and Crime Pattern Theory.

Rational Choice Theory (Cornish & Clarke, 1985)

Assumes people are rational beings who weigh anticipated benefits against potential costs before offending.

Routine Activity Theory (Cohen & Felson, 1979)

States that crime requires the convergence in time and space of three specific elements.

Three elements of Routine Activity Theory

A motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardians.

VIVA (Routine Activity Theory)

Characteristics of suitable targets: Value, Inertia, Visibility, and Access.

Capable guardians in Routine Activity Theory

People or non-human aspects with the ability and willingness to prevent crime.

Crime Pattern Theory (Brantingham & Brantingham, 1993)

Examines offender-victim-environment interactions to explain spatial and temporal crime patterns.

Crime attractors

Places specifically known for attracting offenders because they offer known crime opportunities.

Crime generators

Places generating large crowds for legitimate activities, unintentionally increasing crime opportunities.

Situational Crime Prevention (Clarke, 1980)

A proactive approach reducing crime opportunities by altering the setting and crime environment.

Five techniques of Situational Crime Prevention

Increase effort, increase risks, reduce rewards, reduce provocations, and remove excuses.

CPTED

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design: manipulating the built environment to reduce crime.

Four key principles of CPTED

Natural surveillance, territoriality, access control, and maintenance.

First vs. Second-generation CPTED

1st gen modifies physical environments; 2nd gen incorporates socio-cultural and community aspects.

Main criticisms of environmental criminology

Risk of spatial displacement, overlooking offender motivations, and providing only short-term solutions.