A review and discussion regarding four different criminal theories: differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feminist theory.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper examines four critical theories that have been developed in order to study criminal behavior in human societies. Each of the theories discussed in this paper have been chosen from a wide list of options and are part of a separate classification group. The four theories that this paper identifies are differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feminist theory.
From the Paper "Criminology is a wide field devoted to the theoretical study of crime, of its causes, of its relationship to the law, and of its relationship to human communities. In a way, crime affects all human societies at very fundamental levels. That such a powerful force should spawn a critical discipline devoted to its study is not surprising. Once it became an academic discipline it is even less surprising that critics and theorists have been unable to agree upon a theoretical framework that encompasses all aspects of criminology. Instead, criminology has been divided, over the years, into a number of critical theories that sometimes complement one another and other times are at odds with each other."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion of economic reform in post-Soviet Russia and the prevalence and impact or organized crime that has continued to grow with the market economy there. Billions of dollars have left the former USSR; criminals have infiltrated most institutions and control approximately half of the national economy.
From the Paper "Organized crime thrives in particular environments, as in post-Soviet Russia's capitalist economy of administrative ineffectiveness and inefficiency. For example, Russian businesses have required operation licenses from the state, as opposed to just registration, as in Western Europe. Bottlenecks have promoted bribery with officials refusing to process licenses, on demand, in danger. In much greater ways, full-fledged crime involves a large sector of the Russian economy, and its capital. A weaker central government and adjustment to a market economy promote increased criminal activity. One sees remarks on Soviet conditions having made a Russian culture of 'cheating' as the only way to advance, or obtain housing, goods."
Abstract This paper notes that juvenile offenders have long been treated differently by the criminal justice system, but this has been changing as community attitudes have shifted so that more and more juveniles are tried as adults. This trend largely reflects an increasing fear of crime and a belief in the power of punishment over rehabilitation. Trying juveniles as adults is not the best approach to take.
From the Paper "The American juvenile-justice system was designed a century ago to reform children found guilty of minor crimes, but more and more, the system has to cope with more violent crimes committed by younger people. As Gil Garcetti, then District Attorney of Los Angeles, noted..."
An analysis of Phillipe Bourgois' representation of gendered identity in his anthropological field study, "In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio".
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 62.95
Abstract While Phillippe Bourgois' anthropological field study "In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio" is heavily focused on issues of class, culture and economics in East Harlem, the issue of gender relations and gender construction within this cultural frame is also a prominent theme. This paper critically examines Bourgois' representation of gendered identity and how gender is constructed in El Barrio through public displays of forms of masculinity and femininity. It is argued that as traditional Puerto Rican patriarchal authority appears to be collapsing in El Barrio, the residents are improvising new gendered identities.
Abstract The paper discusses how Stephen Kerr contended that the rewards systems that are designed by many organizations result in conflicting messages sent to workers. The concept is that if the rewards system does not address what the worker wants in the end, the worker will ignore the rewards system. Therefore, managers must correspond rewards with worker needs or desires in order for the rewards to benefit business. The paper relates that conflicting rewards systems have been evident in the criminal justice system and lead to inefficiency in the workplace.
From the Paper "McKay and Sourval (1996) suggest that in the criminal justice system, workers will often not meet the organizational goals because the rewards system that is developed does not correspond with worker need (p. 44). Leaders and managers demand respect from workers and this respect is expected to extend to the organization."
Abstract This report discusses contemporary research findings and the effects of boot camps upon perceptions of effectiveness upon juvenile delinquency. The paper discusses the advantages of using boot camps for juvenile rehabilitation and the positive effects they have on those sent to them. It concludes by stressing the need for educational programs in order to create a more effective system of criminal justice for juvenile delinquents.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Research Findings
Discussion
From the Paper "Over the past twenty years, youth incarceration and delinquency rates have been on a steady increase. During the 1990s, juvenile alternatives to incarceration, especially correctional boot camps became increasing popular as a sentencing option for youth delinquents. These boot camps are military-style institutions for defiant and disrespectful teens that have proven to possess a problem with authority. Their inability to confirm and respect authority has given rise to a need for these teens to undergo such alternative programs as boot camps which present an accommodation between months of military exercise, including strenuous physical activity, and learning exercises and programs designed to comprehend the concepts of disciple and respect. During the 1960s and 1970s, military schools existed as alternatives to traditional schooling for parents electing to send their troubled teens to a program with the intent of altering the defiant nature of their offspring."
Abstract This paper explores the controversial issue of the death penalty. The author presents the pros and cons of this topic in a list format and also gives a history of capital punishment. Also discussed are alternatives to the death penalty and how differing segments of society view this issue. The paper also considers the financial implications of the death penalty, especially as it relates to the court system. The paper concludes by stating that an opinion on this issue must be based on research.
Outline:
Introduction
Capital Punishment: Death Penalty
History of Death Penalty
The Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
Death Penalty Alternatives
Cost
4 Issues of the Death Penalty
Deterrence
Arbitrariness
Retribution
Wrongful Convictions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Death Penalty, also referred to as capital punishment, is the lawful execution of a prisoner as a punishment for serious crime, often called capital offense. Being one of the controversial topics in the United States and all over the world, I decided to have my interests focused on doing a research about this topic. "
"As you read along, you might encounter topics that you will find critical. Bear in mind that I am doing this research not to influence your thoughts on this sensitive issue. Each one is still entitled to his opinion in the end. What I would like is to help my readers broaden their knowledge on death penalty by understanding its history and developments. And explore further by presenting the pros and cons behind it, available alternatives, different points of views of the different sectors in the society and the common issues tackled."
Tags: death, penalty, capital, punishment, wrongful, convictions, court, system
Persuasive essay on how DUI (drinking under the influence) laws in America are too lenient and how the country would be better off if they were toughened up.
Abstract This essay starts off with a story of a fatal DUI accident in Salt Lake City. It then goes on to state many statistics on alcohol-related crashes and the number of recurring DUI offenders. It cites the negative effects of alcohol when it comes to driving and how the United States is significantly behind others when it comes to enforcing and creating harsher DUI laws. Furthermore, it gives many examples of counter-arguments and why some people are opposed to stricter laws.
From the Paper "For example, the legal BAC in Sweden is .02, compared with our legal limit of .08. Even in Japan, which also has a stricter BAC of .03, citizens can be, and often are, arrested for driving with as little as a few sips of alcohol in their system. Slovakia and the Czech Republic even surpass the strictness of Sweden or Japan--they have a zero tolerance limit for driving under the influence. There, absolutely no alcohol is allowed in a driver's system--none. Penalties all over the world are also far more severe than those we have in the United States."
Abstract This paper discusses two organized crime organizations - the Latin Kings, which are the largest Hispanic gang in the United States and the terrorist group, Al-Qaeda, which became the most infamous terrorist organization after the September 11 attacks in the United States. The paper discusses the similarities and differences in how these two organizations operate, for example, leadership structures and motivation for action.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of the Latin Kings
History of Al-Qaeda
Latin Kings v. Al-Qaeda: Similarities
Latin Kings v. Al-Qaeda: Differences
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Latin Kings began in the Chicago area during the 1940's. They started out as a social organization interested in advancing the Puerto Rico community. The motivation for the group's formation was an attempt to overcome the prejudices and injustices that the Puerto Rican community faced. However, by the 1970's members of the group had engaged in criminal activity with specific attention to narcotics trafficking. (Wikipedia, 2006)."
Abstract This paper discusses some of the attributes of the criminal group, the Hell's Angles. It discusses the organizational history of the motorcycle gang, as well as their structure and members. It then goes on to describe their criminal history and their more current activities. The paper also describes law enforcement strategies with regards to the Hell's Angles.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of the Hells Angels
Structure
Participants
Activities
Law Enforcement Strategies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Motorcycle gangs are known to have formed after WWII. Motorcycles were cheap in the 1940's, and former military personnel formed up on weekends riding and partying together. Two of the first such fraternities were the Pissed Off Bastards and the Booze Fighters, groups that established early the notoriety of the outlaw biker image. In 1947, at an American Motorcycle Association convention in the drowsy town of Hollister, Calif., the Pissed Off Bastards rode in drunk, wild and destructive, landing as if behind enemy lines with a belly full of TNT. (Jamison, 2000)."
Abstract This paper discusses how the basic definition of justice is the administration of law and the quality of being just, impartial and fair. It looks at how some achievements in justice follow this definition such as the inception of drug courts, community corrections and even the death penalty. The paper also looks at the court changes as a result of 9/11, the Patriot Act and the challenges the courts in the U.S. will be facing over the next 10 years.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining Justice
Promoting Justice
Successful Achievements in the Court System
Positive and Negative Changes in Post September 11th
Challenges Facing Courts within 10 Years
Handling the Challenges
Conclusion
From the Paper "Those who've committed heinous crimes usually do not show any remorse for the lives they've taken or remorse for the devastation they have caused others. If they are allowed to serve a lifetime of imprisonment, they receive three meals a day, exercise and some even get an education all on the taxpayer's dime. In essence, rather than the criminal being punished, it would seem the taxpayer is punished because of the cost of maintaining the prisoner. Thus, society still pays for the crime. Some, such as myself, regard the death penalty as a form of justice since the death penalty means that the victim's family does not ever have to worry about the individual being released to be able to commit more crimes in the future."
Abstract This paper explains that Kody Scott's autobiography "Monster" describes the his transformation into a ruthless killing machine and then back into a devout Muslim and a member of New Afrikan Independence Movement. The author points out that Kody's early childhood and teenage years conform well to various criminological theories, which are discussed in this paper.The paper relates that, as the social control theory describes, Scott developed an attachment to his family and became committed to make his family's life worth living. The author reports that Kody changed his name to Sanyika Shakur and dedicated his life to eradicating "gangsterism".
Table of Contents:
Criminological Theories
Introduction
The Arousal Theory
Differential Association Theory
The Social Learning Theory
Social Cognitive Theory
The Self-Control Theory
The Nature Assumption Theory
The Social-Control Theory
Change in Behavior over Time
From the Paper "Thomas Hobbes in his theory of social control suggests that people are naturally deviant, and that they want to satisfy their instinctive urges. However, they don't adopt the deviant nature due to four reasons described as attachment, commitment, involvement and beliefs. In Kody's case, he was more attached to his fellow gang members than he was to his own family. He didn't have much commitment to anything but his gang. He wasn't involved in any activities other than his gang. As for his beliefs he started out believing that he was wrong, but as time passed he began to rationalize what he was doing."
Abstract This paper discusses how the U.S. government concludes that nearly 800,000 to 900,000 men and women are trafficked between international borders in addition to nearly 1.2 million children who have been sold into slavery to become prostitutes or servants. It looks at how various organizations have manned the forefront to combat these unimaginable crimes and how each organization has a conflicting opinion of the best solution to prevent this atrocity against human rights.
From the Paper "Across the globe thousands of children are sold or kidnapped into slavery each year (Perry). These children are sold as prostitutes, camel jockeys, fisherman, beggars, and servants, and in some cases soldiers (Perry). Children from Asia, Latin America and Africa are considered the most vulnerable because in many of these regions "two-thirds of the population lives on less than $1 a day, the compensation for the temporary loss of a child keeps the rest of the family from going hungry (Lafraniere). Some parents argue that their children are better off learning a trade than starving at home" (Lafraniere). Many of these children are in fact "leased" by their parents for a small amount of money each year, usually not exceeding $100 (Lafraniere). "
Abstract The paper relates that law enforcement agencies are increasingly utilizing psychologists to track serial killers by creating a psychological profile of the offender. This paper discusses aspects of psychological profiling, including victimology, the classification of the motives of serial killers and how they are used to profile a serial killer. The paper focuses on the Zodiac killer and the inability of psychological profiling to result in a conviction.
From the Paper "Victimology is the study of the victim's physical traits, lifestyle and personal demographics (Think Quest, 2004). These can reveal information about the killer. For example the size of the victim and whether they have been carried a distance might indicate the size or number of the perpetrator/s (Petherick, n.d.). If they have been carried a distance, the offender is likely to be large or not working alone. Alternately the lack of signs of a struggle suggests the offender was known to the victim or able to them into going with the offender and is possibly of the organised typology (Petherick, n.d.). If the victims of multiple crimes have similar characteristics e.g. blonde students, they may be the workings of the same offender. This information can then be used to warn people matching those demographics to be more cautious."
Abstract This paper explains that three strikes legislation mandates specific consequences when someone is classified as a habitual offender by having three strikes, convictions for a serious or violent felony crime. The author points out that the ideology behind three strikes laws is that criminals are guided by the expected utility principle theory, which states that the costs of their crime outweigh the benefits. The paper relates that the general goal of a three strikes law is to make punishment severe for repeat offenders in hopes that this will deter them from committing additional crimes and that, if they still choose to commit crimes, locking them up for 25 years to life is an effective means of incapacitation. The author underscores that the deterrence ability of three strikes laws is not accepted by many researchers and that this law has numerous negative side effects including increased homicide rates and prison overcrowding.
From the Paper "The federal version of the three strikes law is the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, also known as the Federal Crime Bill, which was enacted by Congress in 1994. According to Schichor, the act mandates life in prison for criminals convicted of three violent felonies or drug offenses if the third conviction is a federal crime. In addition to the federal law, in a three year span from 1993 to 1996, 25 states adopted their own three strikes laws. Schichor (1997) believes this shift in criminal justice policy focuses more on "controlling aggregates instead of individual offenders" by sorting criminals into groups such as high rate offender and career criminal."
