Criminology and Criminal Justice: Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts in criminology and the criminal justice system, highlighting significant theories, data sources, historical contexts, and current trends.

What are the foundations of the American Dream?

Individualism, Achievement, Universalism, Fetishism of money.

What does Durkheim contribute to criminology regarding crime rates?

Crime rate can never be driven to zero and can be too low for the good of society.

What are the macro theoretical perspectives in criminology?

Social Disorganization, Strain, Anomie, Social Control, Conflict.

How is crime measured in the United States?

Using Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) and National Crime Victimization Surveys (NCVS).

Which crime data source is most useful for tracking murders?

Uniform Crime Reports (UCR).

What types of social violence are identified?

Armed conflicts, gang violence, terrorism, intimate partner violence, domestic violence.

What impact does consuming media violence have on individuals?

It leads to a greater fear of crime and fear of becoming a victim of violence.

What led to the decline in homicide rates in the 1940s?

Economic prosperity, large numbers of young men overseas at war, and social cohesion during wartime.

What contributed to the rise in homicide rates in the 1960s?

Baby Boomers, racial tensions, urban poverty, and increased access to guns.

What legislation initiated gun control in America?

The Brady Act (1993) and the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994).

What are the characteristics of the Tough on Crime approach?

Collaboration of politicians, media, and victim advocates focusing on violent street crime and redirecting funds to jails.

What era marked the beginning of Nixon’s War on Drugs?

The Rebellion Era (1965-1980).

What is a gray market?

Legal products sold through unauthorized channels.

What is the purpose of Evidence-Based policymaking?

To evaluate the effectiveness of programs and determine budget allocations.

Who owns the most guns in America demographically?

Men, White Americans, Republicans, and adults in rural areas.

What is one major current international crime trend?

Organized crime, cyber crime, terrorism, and financial crimes.

What are some types of voter suppression identified in the US?

Voter registration restrictions, criminalization of ballot box, felony disenfranchisement.

What social structures influence social violence?

Risk factors like poverty, economic instability, and protective factors like economic stability and education.

What factors contributed to the opioid epidemic?

Demographics, rates of prescriptions, access to mental health services.