CH. 1 - Criminology and Ethics Overview

These flashcards summarize key concepts of criminology as well as ethical considerations in forensic psychology based on lecture notes.

What is criminology?

Criminology is a scientific approach to the study of criminal behavior and the nature of law, crime, and justice.

Why study crime?

To understand societal impacts, aid victim support, and learn about crime costs to society.

How does criminology challenge common sense assumptions?

It uses a scientific methodology to analyze and address misconceptions about crime and justice.

What are the primary influences on criminology?

Sociology, psychology, political science, economics, and criminal justice.

What does Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey define as criminology?

Criminology is influenced by societal changes and is a social phenomenon.

What is deviant behavior?

Behavior that departs from social norms but is not necessarily illegal or criminal.

Can all crimes be classified as deviant?

No, not all crimes are deviant, as some can be socially accepted at certain times.

What is Hagan's typology of deviance?

It classifies deviance into consensus crimes, conflict crimes, and social deviations.

What are consensus crimes?

Crimes that are widely agreed upon as wrong, like murder or robbery.

What distinguishes a conflict crime?

These crimes are often reflections of power dynamics, like prostitution and drug offenses.

What are legal definitions of crime?

Acts that are harmful, prohibited by law, and punishable by the state.

What are moral definitions of crime?

Definitions based in religious or ethical contexts about what is considered wrong.

What is the consensus approach in criminology?

It posits that laws reflect societal agreements about what is repugnant.

What basic premise does the conflict approach hold?

Laws reflect the power structure of society and often protect vested interests.

How do interactionists view laws?

They see laws as continually shaped by social interactions and moral entrepreneurs.

What is the role of a criminologist?

To study crime, criminals, and criminal behavior through an academic lens.

What does a criminalist do?

Specializes in the collection and examination of physical evidence in crimes.

Why is ethics important in criminology?

To respect subjects in studies and minimize potential harm.

What principle does the Stanford Prison Experiment illustrate?

The importance of ethical considerations in psychological research.

What is beneficence in research ethics?

The obligation to benefit those involved in research and avoid harm.

What does the term fidelity refer to in ethics?

The responsibility to keep promises and maintain ethical commitments.

What does deontology emphasize in ethical practices?

The importance of adhering to certain moral rules regardless of consequences.

What safeguards should be in place for confidentiality?

Privacy and self-determination must be upheld in treatment.

In expert witness roles, what is crucial for credibility?

Testifying based on scientific evidence and maintaining neutrality.

What biases can affect expert witnesses?

Adversarial allegiance may lead to systematic biases favoring one side.

How should information be handled by expert witnesses?

They should present information transparently and avoid selective omissions.

What ethical dilemma does selective information present?

It can mislead the court's understanding of the case facts.

What is the danger of familiarity in expert testimony?

It may compromise neutrality and objectivity when determining evidence.

What should forensic psychologists be cautious about?

Maintaining neutrality despite close relations with defense teams.

What is essential for ethical criminal rehabilitation?

Obtaining consent and using evidence-based techniques.

What issues arise in treatment continuation?

Balancing responsibilities and making informed decisions about treatment.

What does the term 'termination of treatment' refer to?

The decision to end a treatment program based on ethical considerations or efficacy.

What risk assessments are involved in expert witness roles?

Evaluating fitness to stand trial and making judgments on NCRMD (Not Criminally Responsible on account of Mental Disorder).

Why is it important to define roles in forensic psychology?

To understand guarantees of confidentiality and the limits of professional engagement.