CRIM 101 - EXAM1

Criminology

Scientific study of crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system.

Goals of Criminology

Understand causes of crime, nature of criminal behaviour, justice system responses, and societal impact.

Scientific Method in Criminology

Components: Observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis.

Interdisciplinary Nature

Integrates psychology, sociology, political science, and economics to analyze crime.

Psychology in Criminology

Examines mental processes and behaviours of criminals and victims.

Sociology in Criminology

Analyzes social structures and cultural influences on crime.

Political Science in Criminology

Explores the role of laws, governance, and public policy in crime.

Economics in Criminology

Investigates economic factors influencing crime rates and behaviour.

Understanding Criminals

Motivations: Economic, psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing crime.

Economic Factors

Poverty

Limited resources can drive crime for survival.

Economic Factors

Inequality

Economic disparities create viable environments for crime.

Psychological Factors

Mental Health Issues

Conditions like depression may lead to criminal behaviour.

Psychological Factors

Substance Abuse

Addiction often drives criminal activities.

Social Factors

Peer Pressure

Friends influence criminal engagement.

Social Factors

Gang Involvement

Offers belonging, often with criminal activity.

Cultural Factors

Societal Norms

Attitudes toward crime can discourage or promote it

Cultural Factors

Values

Beliefs about morality shape behaviours.

Types of Victims

Direct

Individuals harmed by crime.

Types of Victims

Indirect

Family/friends affected by the crime.

Types of Victims

Secondary

Communities impacted by broader crime effects.

Impact of Victimization

Physical Trauma

Injuries from violent crimes.

Impact of Victimization

Emotional Trauma

PTSD, anxiety, depression.

Impact of Victimization

Financial Loss

Recovery costs and lost wages.

Impact of Victimization

Social Consequences

Stigmatization and isolation.

Victim Rights

Legal protections, counseling services, and assistance programs available to victims.

Types of Crime

Violent

Homicide, assault, robbery.

Types of Crime

Property

Theft, burglary, vandalism.

Types of Crime

White-Collar

Fraud, embezzlement.

Types of Crime

Organized

Drug trafficking, human trafficking.

Crime Rates

Trends

Fluctuations in crime rates over time.

Crime Rates

Regional Variations

Differences based on geographical areas.

Age-Crime Curve

Typically shows higher crime rates among young adults, peaking in late adolescence, declining with age.

Factors Contributing to Crime

Individual Factors

Personality traits and intelligence.

Factors Contributing to Crime

Social Factors

Family structure and peer influence.

Factors Contributing to Crime

Environmental Factors

Neighbourhood characteristics.

Law Enforcement

Local police, state police, federal agencies (e.g., FBI, DEA) investigate crimes and apprehend offenders.

Court System

Judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys ensure fair trials and administer justice.

Corrections

Prisons (long-term), jails (short-term), community supervision (probation, parole).

Criminal Justice Processes (stages)

Arrest, investigation, charging, trial, sentencing, incarceration.

Sentencing

First-degree murder

Mandatory life, 25 years before parole.

Sentencing

Second-degree murder

Life, parole eligibility between 10 to 25 years.

Sentencing

Simple Assault

Fines/probation to a few years.

Sentencing

Aggravated assault

2 to 14 years.

Sentencing

Robbery

1 to 14 years, depending on violence and weapon use.

Sentencing

Sexual Assault

6 months to 14+ years, based on severity.

Sentencing

Theft under $5,000

Usually a summary conviction, can result in fines or up to 6 months in jail.

Sentencing

Theft over $5,000

Indictable offense, sentences can range from 2 to 14 years.

Sentencing

Burglary

Typically 1 to 14 years, depending on factors like prior convictions and whether violence was involved.

Sentencing

Fraud

Sentences can range from fines to 14 years, depending on the amount and complexity.

Sentencing

Mischief (property damage)

Sentences can vary from fines to up to 2 years, based on damage severity

Sentencing

Judicial discretion

Sentences can be influenced by the offender's history and the impact on victims.

Sentencing

Fraud

Can result in sentences ranging from fines to 14 years, depending on the amount involved and the complexity of the scheme.

Sentencing

Embezzlement

Sentences typically range from 1 to 14 years, influenced by the amount stolen and the offender's previous criminal record.

Sentencing

Insider Trading

Usually results in significant fines and can lead to imprisonment for up to 5 years.

Sentencing

Money Laundering

Sentences can range from 2 to 14 years, depending on the amount laundered and the offender's involvement.

Sentencing

Tax Evasion

Penalties may include fines and imprisonment for up to 5 years, depending on the severity of the evasion.

Sentencing

Participation in a Criminal Organization

Sentences can range from 1 to 14 years, depending on the severity of the offense and involvement.

Sentencing

Drug Trafficking

Typically results in sentences ranging from 3 to 25 years, influenced by the type and quantity of drugs involved.

Sentencing

Human Trafficking

Can lead to sentences of 5 to 14 years, with higher penalties for aggravating factors such as the exploitation of minors.

Sentencing

Weapons Offenses

Sentences can vary from 1 to 14 years, depending on the nature of the offense (e.g., illegal possession or trafficking).

Sentencing

Conspiracy to Commit Offenses

Typically results in sentences ranging from 1 to 10 years, based on the conspiracy's nature and planned crimes.

Crime Prevention

Strategies

Deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, community programs.

Deterrence

Punishment aims to discourage individuals from committing crimes.

Incapacitation

Removing offenders from society to prevent further crimes.

Rehabilitation

Programs addressing underlying issues like substance abuse

Community-Based Programs

Engage communities to promote safety and build social cohesion.

Emerging Issues: Cybercrime

Criminal activities via computers/internet (e.g., hacking)

Emerging Issues: Organized Crime

Structured groups engaging in illegal activities for profit.

Emerging Issues: White-Collar Crime

Non-violent crimes for financial gain within professional settings.

Victimology

Study of victims' experiences, rights, and dynamics with offenders.

Social Exclusion

Denial of access to resources linked to increased crime rates.

Over-Representation

Certain demographic groups are disproportionately represented in the justice system.

Systemic Racism

Embedded biases in legal systems leading to unequal treatment.

Intersectionality

How different forms of discrimination intersect and affect experiences

Media Representation of Crime

Analysis of crime portrayal in media shaping public perception.

Victimization Data Sources

Collected through surveys (e.g., National Crime Victimization Survey).

Self-Report Surveys

Gather self-reported behaviours to understand crime beyond official statistics.

Observation and Participant Observation

Study behaviours in natural settings for qualitative insights.