class 8 Flashcards
Q1: What is desistance in criminology?
A: Desistance refers to the decline in crime rates as offenders age, also known as the “aging-out process.”
Q2: What are some reasons people commit crimes according to Choice Theory?
A: Thrill-seeking, greed, revenge, or simply for fun.
Q3: What are key concepts in Choice Theory?
A: Situational crime prevention, general deterrence, specific deterrence, and incapacitation.
Q4: What is utilitarianism in the context of criminology?
A: It is the idea that society must provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Q5: How does Classical Theory view crime?
A: Crime is a rational choice, where people weigh benefits against risks before engaging in illegal activities.
Q6: What is the social contract in criminology?
A: The idea that people give up some freedoms in exchange for protection by society.
Q7: What are the key principles of punishment in Classical Theory?
A: Punishment should be swift, certain, and severe, but only necessary to deter crime.
Q8: Who was Jeremy Bentham and what was his contribution to criminology?
A: Bentham was a philosopher who expanded on Beccaria’s work and introduced utilitarian principles to British law.
Q9: What are the four main objectives of punishment according to Bentham?
- Prevent all criminal offenses.
- Convince offenders to commit the least serious crime possible.
- Ensure criminals use no more force than necessary.
- Prevent crime in the most cost-effective way possible.
Q10: What is the Panopticon?
A: A theoretical prison design where inmates are unaware of when they are being watched, promoting compliance due to fear of observation.
Q11: How does the Panopticon relate to crime control?
A: It demonstrates how surveillance and the risk of detection can deter criminal behavior.
Q12: When was Classical Theory first implemented in law?
A: It was first adopted in 1789 in post-Revolution France through the Declaration of the Rights of Man.
Q13: What key legal principles are derived from Classical Theory?
Laws should only prohibit actions harmful to society.
Punishments should be necessary and proportional.
No person should be punished unless laws are written and enacted prior to the crime.
Q14: When did Choice Theory resurge and who contributed to it?
A: In the 1970s, James Q. Wilson revived Choice Theory, arguing against the idea that poverty and social conditions cause crime.
Q15: What did Wilson claim about criminals?
A: Criminals lack inhibition, value excitement, take risks, and do not conform to societal norms.
Q16: What is an offense-specific crime?
A: A crime where offenders react selectively to the characteristics of the offense, such as evaluating risks and opportunities.
Q17: Give an example of an offense-specific crime.
A: A burglar assessing a house’s security, presence of valuable items, and risk of capture before committing the crime.
Q18: What is an offender-specific crime?
A: Crimes committed by offenders who assess their own skills, resources, and ability to commit a crime successfully.
Q19: How does offender-specific crime differ from offense-specific crime?
A: Offense-specific crimes focus on crime opportunities, while offender-specific crimes focus on the individual’s capability and risk assessment.
Q20: What personal factors influence criminal behavior?
A: Economic circumstances, perception of risk, and personality traits such as low self-control and disregard for punishment.
Q21: What did Agnew suggest about criminals?
A: Criminals share traits such as feeling untouchable, lacking self-control, and being unaffected by fear of punishment.
Q22: What factors structure crime?
Location: Choosing undetectable and low-risk areas.
Target Characteristics: Selecting easy and profitable targets.
Techniques: Using methods to avoid detection (e.g., hiding drugs).
Q23: What is Rational Choice Theory?
A: A micro-level theory where offenders weigh the costs and benefits before committing a crime.
Q24: What is Routine Activities Theory?
A: A macro-level theory stating that crime occurs when motivated offenders, suitable targets, and lack of guardianship coincide.
Q25: How is auto theft a rational crime?
A: Auto thieves selectively choose cars based on value and ease of resale, such as Volkswagens for parts or luxury cars for personal use.
Q26: How do sex workers make rational choices?
A: They prioritize safety, avoid risky clients, and make strategic choices to protect themselves.
Q27: How do drug dealers minimize risks?
A: They sell in small quantities, operate in low-visibility areas, and avoid large groups that attract attention.
Q28: Why do heavy drug users often rationalize their behavior?
A: They maintain social networks and employ strategies to avoid detection.
Q29: Is violence an instrumental crime?
A: No, violence is not typically instrumental, but some violent crimes have rational motives such as revenge or provocation.
Q30: How do violent criminals make rational choices?
A: They select specific targets and weigh risks before acting.
