Criminology Flashcards
What is theory and criminology theory?
Theory: an assumption (or set of assumptions) that attempt to explain why or how things are related to each other.
Criminological theory = the explanation of criminal behaviour.
What is crime?
Generally used to describe behaviour that breaks criminal law… within the criminal law a crime is conduct ( by act or omission) which when it results in certain consequences may lead to prosecution and punishment in a court of law.
What does the criminological theory try to explain?
What makes people commit crime.
Are people free to choose their actions.
Are our choices determined by biological, psychological or social factors.
Are offenders different from non offenders.
or is crime normal.
Why do people commit crimes?
Poverty. Inequality. Criminal by nature. Environment.
We can see that criminology was borne out of sociological thinking around social problems many of which still exists today.
What is psychological positivism learned behaviour?
The nature of an individuals conduct is influenced / learned by the conduct of the group with whom they come into contact.
What is the rational choice theory?
The underlying principle of rational choice theory is that actors make calculations of courses of action based upon some form of assessment.
Target/ motivated offender/ absence of guardian.
Target suitability is a function of:
value, inertia, visibility, access.
What according to Clarke is CRAVED?
Certain goods are more likely to be stolen because they are:
Concealable, Removable, Available, Valuable, Enjoyable, Disposable.
Who are routine activity theory likely offenders?
This can be anyone. Discussion of causes or motivation is deliberately avoided.
There is focus on how victims activities provide opportunities: the ordinary activities of people structure the patterns for criminal opportunities.
What is sociology in policing?
A healthy society is one where balance is achieved and individuals undergo a process of socialisation, learn appropriate behaviours and values and contribute to the overall functioning of the system.
Why dont people report crimes to the police?
Too trivial, Didnt realise it was a crime, Dont think police can do anything about it, Crime is embarrassing or compromising, Victim too scared, Victim prefers to deal with matter another way.
What are the reasons why crime may not be recorded?
Insufficient evidence crime has occurred.
Little chance of detection/ prosecution.
Complain is withdrawn.
Corruption.
Police discretion - cultural prejudices or bias.
cuffing.
What is procedural justice?
Procedural justice is the demonstration that the decisions and procedures made and carried out by the contributors of the CJS are made fairly.
Fairness in the CJS is crucial to gain and maintain the support of the public and from a policing perspective to establish and develop community engagement.
Examples of procedural justice.
Ethnicality.
Honesty - a demonstrated effort to be fair.
Motivation of organisation.
Representation - community involvement and engagement.
Quality of decisions.
Error correction and organisational bias.
What is consensual legitimacy?
is gained through the support of the people and communities who are being policed. it reflects the democratic aspect of policing within a liberal democracy, consent is vital to police legitimacy and neighbourhood policing emphasises its importance.