test 2, crim classical school Flashcards
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive
Descriptive: Trying to describe social phenomena.
Prescriptive: Trying to provide instructions on what to do moving forward.
Ordeal
Ancient judicial practice to determine guilt or innocence by subjecting accused to painful experiences.
Theory
Theories within criminology are useful tools that help us understand the workings of the criminal justice system and the actors within it.
Prescriptive
Prescriptive criminological theory aims to provide instructions on how to respond to social phenomena, often involving policy development.
Specific deterence
Type of deterrence aimed is to stop an individual offenders from committing crimes through a punishment specific to the individual.
Like a speeding ticket.
General deterence
a deterance to stop the general population from comititng crimes by making punishment known. This would link with knowing the consequences that come with crime.
like the knowledge of jail or knowing that you get speeding tickets.
Retribution
punishment who aims to balance the scales and restore equilibrium in society for committed crimes.
Doctor steals money from unwealthy patients. Works pro bono for them.
The debate of:
Nature vs. Nurture
whether criminal traits are inherent (nature)
or shaped by environmental factors (nurture).
Criminology as a social science
Field that acknowledges challenges in determining cause and effect due to the complexity of human behavior.
Social Contract Theory
Idea that individuals give up some freedoms to the state in exchange for protection and security.
Founders of Classical School
Chazayer Beccaria, Italian philosopher, and other theorists who view criminal behavior as natural result of self-interest.
Seductions of crime
The allure of criminal activities driven by excitement, thrill, showing off, seeking revenge, and gaining acceptance from certain social groups.
Reformulation of ideas
Continuous reassessment and evaluation of theories over time to ensure relevance and accuracy.
what criminological theory focuses on describing social phenomena rather than providing instructions on what to do moving forward.
Descriptive
Classical School of Criminology
Based on social contract theory from the Enlightenment era, giving the state a monopoly over violence and citizens’ protection.
Folkways vs. Morays
Folkways are minor cultural norms violations with informal consequences,
Morays are more severe breaches with formal punishments imposed within communities.
Routine activities theory
A theory that posits crime occurs when a suitable target is present, there is an absence of capable guardians, and the offender is motivated; often explaining the decision-making process before criminal acts.
Reoffender
To reoffend
To commit a new criminal offense after serving a previous sentence or being released from custody.
Presumption of Innocence
The idea that individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty, a key principle in the classical school of criminology for fairness in legal proceedings.
Brutalization effect
The theory that severe punishment, such as capital punishment, may devalue human life and contribute to an increase in violent behavior.
Deterrence Mechanisms
Strategies or measures intended to prevent crime by imposing punishments or consequences to discourage individuals from committing illegal acts.
Unemployment
The state of not having a job which can lead to desperation and underemployment.
Choice Theory in Criminology
Theory that views criminals as rational decision-makers who weigh personal and situational factors before committing crimes; emphasizes the role of self-control in criminal behavior.