Overview of Criminology

Definition of Criminology

  • Main Concept: Criminology studies crimes as social phenomena.

  • Scholarly Definition:

    • Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey define criminology as understanding the making, breaking, and reacting to laws.

    • Objectives include developing general principles and knowledge regarding law, crime, and treatment options.

Body of Knowledge in Criminology

  • Defining Criminology: Sources from the Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Measuring Crime:

    • National Crime Measures from Bureau of Justice Statistics

    • Self-Report Surveys insights

    • Issues in gathering hate crime statistics (Pro Publica)

  • Crime Trends:

    • Discussion on Levitt and Dubner's insights on crime decline (Freakonomics)

    • Analysis of FBI data accuracy in 2021 (The Marshall Project)

Theories of Crime

  • Rational Choice Theory:

    • Key texts by Cornish & Clarke and Venkatesh & Levitt on gangs

    • Policy implications on decision-making among offenders

  • Social Disorganization Theory:

    • Works by Shaw & McKay, and Sampson et al. on urban crime dynamics

  • Social Learning Theory:

    • Focus on Cressey's Differential Association theory and its implications

  • Social Control Theory:

    • Analysis of influences from parents and peers (Warr)

  • Labeling Theory: Becker's insights from "Outsiders"

  • Conflict Theories: Examining resistance crimes (Rios)

  • Life Course Theories: Mass imprisonment impacts discussed (Pettit and Western)

Making Laws

  • Typologies of Crimes: Introduction to Criminal Law

  • Defenses: Understanding various criminal defenses through case studies

Political Violence and Terrorism

  • Defining Terrorism: Coverage by Hoffman and analysis by Kydd and Walter

  • January 6 Attack Analysis: Insights from the January 6 Committee

Organized Crime, White Collar Crime, and Cybercrime

  • Organized Crime: Studies on Russian organized crime and casino operations

  • White Collar Crime: Key understandings through Payne and Pontell's works

  • Cybercrime: Internet opportunities and challenges (Koops)

Criminal Justice System Overview

  • General Overview: Overview from Bureau of Justice Statistics

  • Police & Prosecutors: Addressing biases in policing and prosecutorial decisions

  • Forensic Science: Examination of flaws in forensic methodologies and implications for justice

  • Mass Incarceration: Its impact on social inequality

Concepts of Deviance and Criminality

  • Deviance:

    • Characteristics: Unpopular acts that depart from social norms, leading to ridicule and ostracism.

  • Criminality:

    • Definition: Acts violating the law, leading to punishments such as imprisonment or fines.