CJ review

Course Overview

  • Course: Criminal Justice 2080

Central Themes

  • Case Studies: "Central Park 5", "Whenthey see us", and articles on 'super predators' from the 1980s.

  • Stand Your Ground Law: Asserts self-defense but requires retreat in some circumstances.

  • Fear of Crime: Residents' concerns about crime often diverge from actual risks.

Key Concepts

  • Actus Reus: The physical act of committing a crime.

  • Mens Rea: The mental state or intent behind committing a crime; must coincide with actus reus.

  • Definitions of Crime: Crime is defined as conduct prohibited by society for order maintenance.

  • Felonies vs. Misdemeanors: Felonies are serious crimes with over one-year incarceration; misdemeanors less serious, under a year.

Amendments and Legal Frameworks

  • Due Process: Ensures accuracy, fairness, and reliability in criminal proceedings to protect individual rights.

  • Fifth Amendment: Protects against self-incrimination and guarantees due process.

  • Eighth Amendment: Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

Historical and Political Contexts

  • Changing Legal Definitions: Deviance fluctuates historically (e.g., slavery, prohibition).

  • Hyper Enforcement: Notable historical events like McCarthyism.

Criminal Behavior Theories

  • Positivism: Behavior influenced by internal and external factors; opposes free will.

  • Conflict Theory: Criminal law reflects the interests of the powerful.

  • Labeling Theory: Criminalization encourages delinquency through societal reactions.

Theories of Social Behavior

  • Hirschi's Social Bond Theory: Social attachments reduce likelihood of crime.

  • Rational Choice Theory: Crime occurs under certain circumstances; considers opportunity and risk.

Crime Measurement

  • UCR (Uniform Crime Reports): Compiled by the FBI based on reported crimes.

  • NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey): Captures unreported crimes based on victim interviews.

  • Self-Report Surveys: Assess delinquency through personal disclosure.

Types of Crime

  • Victimless Crimes: Consensual acts like drug use and gambling.

  • Political Offenses: Acts threatening governmental stability, like treason and bribery.

  • White-Collar Crime: Non-violent crime committed for financial gain within business contexts.