Criminology Midterm Study Guide

A series of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on criminology, covering key concepts related to property crime, violent crime, and violence against women.

Burglary

The unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft.

Larceny/Theft

The unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.

Motor Vehicle Theft

The act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle.

Arson

The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

Vandalism

The intentional destruction of property owned by another.

Embezzlement

The theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer.

Fraud

Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

Forgery

The action of falsifying documents or signatures with the intent to deceive.

UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting)

A nationwide effort by the FBI to gather statistics on crimes reported to police.

NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey)

A survey that collects data on personal and household experiences with crime.

Career Criminals

Individuals who repeatedly engage in criminal activities over a long period.

Occasional Criminals

Individuals who commit crimes infrequently and often with little planning.

Conventional Criminals

More experienced offenders who engage in regular criminal activities.

Shoplifting

The act of stealing goods from a store, typically by concealing them under clothing.

Professional Shoplifters

Individuals who engage in theft as a skilled and planned activity for profit.

Rational Choice Theory

The theory suggesting that individuals make decisions based on the perceived costs and benefits of their actions.

Routine Activities Theory

A theory that posits crime occurs when a motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of guardian converge.

Carjacking

A violent form of robbery that involves stealing a vehicle from its owner.

Homicide

The intentional killing of another person.

Aggravated Assault

An attack intended to cause serious bodily injury or the use of a weapon.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Abuse or violence that occurs between current or former romantic partners.

Sexual Assault

Any sexual act performed against someone without their consent.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)

A United States law providing resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Sociological Perspective

An approach that emphasizes the social structures and cultural norms that influence behaviors, such as violence.