This paper reviews and compares psychological and sociological theories of crime at the level of the society, the community, the group, and the individual.
Abstract This paper discusses that the psychological theories of crimerelate to the mental programming and functioning of the human brain and the way it is programmed; whereas, the sociological theories relate to the functioning of a society and its value system that can create criminals. The author points out that the psychological theories of crime are better at explaining some kinds of crimes, such as violence against women; but other kinds of crimes, such as picking pockets in a rough neighborhood, are better explained using the sociological theories of crime. The paper explains that biological theories are related to the inherited genetic influences and any abnormalities due to a defective construction of the brain or the body, such as a hyperactive thyroid gland or other malfunctions of the human body and their effects on the behavior of individuals.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Psychologist's Theories of Crime Sociological Theories of Crime The Incompatibilities between the Psychologist and Sociologist Theories of Crime Conclusion
From the Paper "If a person rejected by the society maintains contact through necessity with people constantly attempting to destroy that individual by making him develop a low ego and self-image and calling him a thief, killer or rapist; the person is likely to develop a criminal behavior. This behavior takes the form of a desire to take revenge on a society that gave him absolutely nothing. This process, called the Labeling theory, explains that, if a society is made up of people with sick deviant minds where they are constantly bent on destroying each other, then that society is likely to produce more criminals."
Abstract This paper is a content analysis of network (ABC, NBC and CBS) local and national news broadcasts, focusing on the reporting of stories related to crime. The study is based on the viewing of a half-hour segment of news on the three national and three local stations' broadcasts (six half-hour segments), with that viewing concentrating on crime-related compared to non-crime-related stories. The analysis also examines the nature of the crime stories, including the type of crime, the reporting agency, victim characteristics and offender characteristics, and compares national and local coverage.
From the Paper "We see in a comparison of the local and national news on ABC that on the local level the stories of crime seem to feature violence for its own sake, or for "entertainment's" sake, rather than for any larger social issue, while on the national level one story involved a dramatic crime in a low-crime nation, and the other involved issues (DNA testing, death penalty) which transcend the crime itself."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of gambling relatedcrime and solutions to the problem. The paper discusses historical evidence that society has never been directly involved in ending the issue, and that over time gambling has become more apparent in society, and with it, so has gambling relatedcrime.
From the Paper "Throughout history gambling has been an inclusion in society that has elicited concern from many, and indifference from others. Politicians have traditionally conceded the fact that gambling as a public recreation has caused some difficulties in the masses. They have even discussed the fact that they believe that gambling might be acceptable - as long as only those that possess the wealth to support their bets practice gambling. As casinos have now been constructed in many States in America, those closest to these gambling institutions address the issue of gambling related crime almost daily. However, politicians, and government officials contend that there is not enough evidence to support programs that are State, or Federally funded which would reduce, or stop gambling related crime, or provide solutions to those who wish to escape their addictions."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of community policing. The author says that for certain types of crime, such as hate crimes, mob-relatedcrimes and ritualistic crimes, police must look at the underlying causes of the crimes rather than just dealing with the perpetrators after the fact. The paper explains why these particular categories differ from other crimes, and why these categories require a different kind of approach from police.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Organized Crime Hate Crime Ritual Crimes Law Enforcement Perspective
Conclusion
From the Paper "Community policing is a term that is becoming increasingly common in police studies and practice. This is a natural result of the increase in the responsibility of the police in a complex and modern environment. This means that policing has to deal not only with the effects of crime but also with the underlying causes of criminal acts in order to be effective. This is especially the case with regard to forms of crime such as hate and ritual crimes which have sensitive and far-reaching social implications. In this regard the responsibility of the police is being shared with other institutions and the community in order to provide a more adequate and comprehensive solution to contemporary crime issues."
Abstract This paper compares the different elements of crime statistics to substantiate that drug-related offenses appear to be increasing critically. The author points out that this is a dangerous trend in non-consensual arrests, which places people who have not committed violent crimes, such as murder, into prison population filled with dangerous offenders. The paper states that the policy off placing extremely harsh penalties for those people simply caught using the product is being implemented through the American government justice system.
From the Paper "This study examines the nature of drug-related crimes that have been steadily on the rise within America. By understanding the lowered rate of violent or murder related crimes within the U.S. in the past 6 years, one can begin to understand that drugs are now a central problem in crime related incidents. In essence, the greatly lowered rates of murder and other related violent crimes makes a direct link to the problem of non-consensual or drug related crimes a rising problem of law enforcement in America today. The growing rate of drug related charges against individuals and crime syndicates reveals an alarming rate of arrests in the past five years."
Abstract The writer of this well-researched paper focuses on the consistent rise in both computer and internet relatedcrimes in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, as well as the strategies that have been implemented to fight these illegal acts. This paper supplies relevant statistics and data regarding this particular topic. The writer contends and details why the term cyber-crime falls into three basic categories: Software piracy, electronic break-ins and computer sabotage. This paper cites several cases of cyber-terrorism, in which computer hackers shut down various public and/or government computer websites, including those of the CIA, FBI and the U.S. Air Force. This paper also delves into the various measures taken to prevent cyber-crimes including: The European Union, which established the Committee of Experts on Crime in Cyberspace, which drafted a binding convention to facilitate international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of individuals suspected of computer crimes. The U.S. has also developed legislation that deals with specific forms of cyber-crimes, as well as providing copyright protection for various computer programs, which are now recognized by the courts.
From the Paper "Not all attacks are external. Sabotage by employees can also occur. The above Trade and Industry survey also found that almost a third of UK firms had dealt with up to five disciplinary cases of Internet abuse in 2002. Carelessness by employees is almost as threatening as intentional crime. Users make passwords too simple, reveal them when asked, or write them on a post-it near their PC. Carelessness can be countered by the implementation and enforcement of systems use policies and training.
Lastly, because of the fear of terrorism since 9/11, numerous cities throughout the United States have put together disaster plans as well as had practice drills in case the worst occurs. It may be just as important to prepare for the worst for cybercrimes."
Abstract This paper analyzes Dewey's concept of continuity related to growth and the links between these concepts and the undesirability of proficiency at burglary. The paper focuses on the current situation in Toronto schools where teachers have little control and numerous students are sooner or later becoming proficient in crime. The paper then describes the process of growth in relation to these issues.
From the Paper "Dewey's Concept of Continuity Related to Growth and the Links between These Concept and the Undesirability of Proficiency at Burglary 1. The current situation in Toronto schools is one over which teachers have no control. Numerous students are sooner or later becoming proficient in crime. This development still illustrates the process of growth, which is a neutral term. Growth is a reflection of the principle of continuity, which intercepts with interaction to shape a series of situations. "The principle of continuity in its educational application means that the future has to be taken into account" (Dewey 341)."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses various statistics relating to criminal activity. The paper then goes on to discuss studies which show that property crime can also be prevented by manipulating the design of the separate properties and their relationship to each other and the surrounding neighborhood. This process is called crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). According to the paper, the overall impact of CPTED by itself continues to be controversial. Specialists are more prone to accepting the fact that it is one of many measures that, taken together, can prevent or reduce crime.
From the Paper "NIJ does say that these cases "suggest" that place-based crime prevention approaches that are designed to meet the needs of certain neighborhoods do indeed reduce crime, although they are not "prove" this is the result. "In practice, it would be as difficult as untangling a spider web to evaluate the effectiveness of specific place-based crime prevention measures applied to these residential areas" (Cozens, 2005, p. 328). Also, although crime data back the thesis that place-based applications work, "the physical, management and community organizational interventions in these cases are woven together in complex ways that defy individual analysis" (Cozens, 2005, p. 328)."
Tags: CPTED, strategies, building, police, crime, patrol, North, Trail, District
Abstract This paper firstly discusses the state of organized crime in Russia, its spread around the world, barriers to prosecution and other related issues. It continues to trace the history of Russian organized crime, identifies the types of criminal activity and areas of business penetration achieved by the Russian Mafia. It also explores the movement of Russian organized crime to the United States and other nations. In conclusion, the author expands on the legal implications of prosecuting these criminals.
From the Paper "Organized crime is seen by Gennadii Khokhriakov as ranked second only after war in terms of the danger that it poses to society. Indeed the Ninth United Nations Conference on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of ..."
Tags: organized crime, Russia, oligarchs, international cooperation
Abstract This paper discusses the history of social disorganization, and then applies the theory to juvenile crime in general. It further discusses juvenile crime in the United States, and then juvenile crime as it exists in San Francisco, California. The paper then relates this information to policy changes in the juvenile criminal justice system, and makes proposals for city-wide changes.
From the Paper "The social disorganization theory contends that urban areas are more susceptible to juvenile crime because there is a lower sense of moral values within the community (Shelley 26). In rural areas there is great attention paid to the community and a child's involvement in the organizations it supports. Furthermore, these communities ensure that the organizations created for youth have built in morals and values that support those of the family, and therefore, have a positively profound affect on youth (Shelley 26). However, in poorer urban areas organizations for youth are often not funded, and when they are, there are societal tensions that infiltrate these organizations, often splitting the boundaries of who may belong with regard to race, gender, and social status. Furthermore, urban organizations that exist are not based upon family morals that are universal to all cultures within an urban setting. "
Abstract This paper discusses the activities of state authorities in relation to crime in New Jersey and in the United States. The paper explains that in recent years crime rates in New Jersey have dropped significantly, but the prison population, and its costs, have increased and the key reason is that New Jersey (like many other jurisdictions) uses incarceration to address drug problems. The paper points out that there are alternatives to full-scale incarceration that would save the state of New Jersey substantial sums which are now being spent on maintaining a prison system that is built to guard New Jersey from a threat that does not exist.
Outline:
Introduction
Part I: Recent Crime Statistics
Part II: Recent Legislation
Part III: Victims Assistance Programs
Part IV: Correctional Options
Part V: Three Strikes Laws
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are two criminal justice systems in the United States: the state system and the federal system. When a person commits a crime, it may be a crime against the laws of the United States; it may be a crime against the laws of the state in which the crime occurs. Violations of the criminal laws of the United States ("federal crimes") are prosecuted by the United States through the U.S. Attorney in each state. Violations of the laws of a given state are prosecuted by the various officials of the state. While the two systems work cooperatively, they do not course over."
Abstract This paper examines a series of topics - gun control, age of sentencing, capital punishment, education and punishment of a crime - from the competing liberal/conservative points-of-view. These points of view are then, in turn, applied to the controversial topic of youth crime and what is to be done to stanch its spread. Ultimately, the paper argues that both sides have some of the answers - but not all of them.
From the Paper "Youth crime and punishment has long been a serious controversy in America, not least of all because a perception exists - at least in some quarters - that youthful criminals are not treated severely enough by the justice system. The following paper will examine five topics - gun control, age of sentencing, capital punishment, education for criminals and punishment for the commission of a crime - and provide both the liberal and conservative side of the issue. What should emerge is a recognition that both sides present compelling arguments in favor of their position - and that both sides do not have all the answers. With that in mind, it is to a discussion of the aforementioned topics that this paper now turns. Gun control is a very serious issue that is made more serious by the fact that guns are readily accessible to young people."
Abstract This paper studies the 1996 report by the National Criminal Justice Commission on The Real War on Crime. The paper examines the portrayal of the criminal justice system, including a criticism of criminal justice policies and fear-related solutions.
From the Paper "'The Real War on Crime' by Donziger presents the authors view of what is really going on with regard to crime in the United States. The author notes a number of criticisms about the criminal justice system. To begin with Donziger points..."
Abstract This paper discusses the organizational structure of crime in the community. The author points out the role of organized crime. The paper investigates the responsibilities for enforcing criminal law.
From the Paper "In his book "Choice and Consequence", economist Thomas Schelling sought to explain why certain crimes such as burglary or embezzlement did not lend themselves to monopolized control by organized crime; whereas, others such as gambling prostitution or drug dealing have He concluded that some businesses lend themselves more than others to monopolization. They are businesses in which small-time criminals are victimized where the primary target of organized crime is itself an underworld activity such as the bookmaker, the prostitute or the drug dealer. The drug ..."
Tags: community relations, policy & procedures, risk assessment analysis, Thomas Schelling
