Theory and Crime Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on theory and crime, providing definitions and explanations of critical terms and theories in criminology.

Retribution

A philosophical claim asserting that individuals deserve punishment for their wrong acts, based on the premise of free will.

Deterrence

A theory positing that punishment can prevent future offenses by instilling fear of consequences.

Certainty

The belief that punishment will actually occur, which is a key factor in deterrence theory.

Swift punishment

Punishment that occurs soon after the crime, increasing its effectiveness in deterring future crime.

Severity

The seriousness of punishment, which should outweigh the benefits of committing a crime.

Classical School

A criminological perspective that believes humans have free will and make rational choices, suggesting crime results from a calculus of pleasure versus pain.

Positivist School

A criminological perspective that argues crime is determined by factors beyond individual control, such as biological or social influences.

Cesare Beccaria

Founding figure of the Classical School who advocated for clear laws and consistent punishment.

Incapacitation

A crime control strategy that limits an offender's ability to commit crimes through physical means such as incarceration.

Rehabilitation

An approach focusing on changing offenders to reduce the likelihood of future crimes, through treatment and support.

Restorative Justice

An approach that emphasizes repairing harm caused by crime through dialogue, accountability, and healing.

Recidivism

The tendency of an offender to reoffend, which rehabilitation aims to reduce.

Mandatory minimums

Fixed sentencing laws that require minimum punishments for certain offenses, aimed at ensuring consistency.

Anomie

A state of normlessness that occurs when societal regulations break down, often leading to increased criminal behavior.

Differential Association

A theory stating that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others and is influenced by the norms of the groups individuals associate with.

Social Learning Theory

A theory that combines differential association and reinforcement processes to explain how behavior is learned and maintained in social contexts.

Gene-Environment Interaction

The concept that biological predispositions may activate under specific environmental stressors, influencing criminal behavior.