Intro to CJ CH2 Key terms

assault

An intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent bodily harm.

battery

The unlawful physical acting upon a threat, such as hitting or striking another person.

biology

The scientific study of life and living organisms, sometimes explored in criminology to understand biological influences on behavior.

causation

The relationship between cause and effect; used in criminology to explain why crimes occur.

control theory

A theory suggesting people refrain from deviant behavior because of strong social bonds or institutions.

correlation

A measure of the relationship between two variables; does not imply causation.

criminology

The scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.

dark figure of crime

Crime that occurs but is not reported to or recorded by law enforcement.

domestic violence

Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse within a domestic setting, such as in a marriage or cohabitation.

drug abuse

The habitual taking of addictive or illegal drugs.

genetics

The study of heredity and gene function, sometimes examined in criminology to explore inherited traits related to behavior.

hypothesis

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence, used as a starting point for further investigation.

larceny

Unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

learning theory

Suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.

legalization

The process of making an act legal, such as the decriminalization of certain drugs.

life course criminology

Examines how individual behavior develops over a lifetime, particularly in relation to criminal activity.

murder

The unlawful killing of another person with intent.

organized crime

Criminal activity carried out by structured groups typically involving the provision of illegal goods or services.

Part I offenses

Serious crimes reported in the Uniform Crime Report, including murder, rape, robbery, and burglary.

Part II offenses

Less serious crimes tracked by the FBI, such as drug offenses, vandalism, fraud, prostitution, and disorderly conduct.

prescription drugs

Medications legally prescribed by doctors, which can be abused or sold illegally.

psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes, often used in criminology to understand motives and mental states.

public order crime

Acts that disrupt societal norms or public morals, like disorderly conduct or drug offenses.

raional choice theory

Suggests individuals weigh the costs and benefits before engaging in criminal activity.

repeat victimization

The phenomenon where a person or place is victimized more than once.

robbery

Taking property from another person through force or threat.

self-reported survey

A method where individuals report their own criminal behavior, often used to measure crimes not reported to police.

sexual assault

Any non-consensual sexual act or behavior.

social conflict theories

Theories that view crime as the result of conflict between different social classes or groups.

social disorganization theory

Suggests crime is more likely in communities with weak social institutions and community ties.

social process theories

Focus on the social learning process and peer influences that may lead to criminal behavior.

sociology

The study of society, social institutions, and relationships, often applied in criminology to understand crime in a societal context.

stalking

Repeated unwanted attention and contact that causes fear in the victim.

strain theory

Argues that crime results when individuals feel pressure to achieve societal goals without legitimate means.

theory

A set of ideas intended to explain something, often used in criminology to understand criminal behavior.

Uniform Crime Report (UCR)

A nationwide database of crime statistics compiled by the FBI.

victim surveys

Surveys that ask individuals about their experiences with crime, often capturing unreported incidents.

white-collar crime

Non-violent crimes committed for financial gain by individuals in professional positions, such as fraud or embezzlement.

burglary

Unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, typically theft.

blue-collar crime

Crimes involving physical acts or direct harm, often committed by working-class individuals (e.g., theft, assault, vandalism).