Chapter 1 Flashcards
influence of media on crime policies?
fear of crime is worse than crime itself
moral panic
in the media, the most dramatic or serious crimes capture a large degree of attention, but only represent a very small portion of crime
victimization paradox
people fear becoming victims of crime far more than their likelihood of every being victimized.
what are the major theories of crime?
social disorganization theory, low self control theory, and strain theory
social disorganization theory
crime occurs in disorganized communities where there is a breakdown of social controls
low self control theory
crime is committed by people who are impulsive and like to take risks; they care little about long-term consequences
strain theory
crime occurs because people cannot achieve what they want through legitimate means
liberal solution to crime?
due process
conservative solution to crime?
crime control
crime control
emphasizes the ends over means; swift justice; “assembly line.” Made by Packer. Sees wrongful convictions as acceptable to catch all crime.
due process
emphasizes human freedom; quality over quantity; creates an “obstacle course” to incarceration. Sees wrongful convictions as unacceptable.
rational choice perspective
thinks that all human beings weigh their options carefully before committing a crime rather than taking into account environmental factors
four major types of crime policies?
deterrence, retribution, incapacitation, rehabilitation
deterrence
concerned with discouraging criminal behavior through fear of punishment. It ignores factors that are known to influence crime, assumes that offenders are calculating and weigh pros/cons of crime, unsupported by research.
retribution
concerned with punishment, payback, and giving offenders their just desserts. Limitations include: punishments are not always proportional and myopic (not concerned with stopping future crime).