Abstract
This paper explains that the rational theory in criminality focuses more on the personal and psychological attributes of individuals, emphasizing the choice, responsibility, and needs of the individual; whereas, labeling and radical theories tend to see crime as the result of social pressure and structures. The author points out that the problem with social theories is that they ignore the rational and individual purposiveness in crime, which tends to excuse criminal acts on the basis of various social factors. The paper states that the rational theory includes mitigating elements within the central structure of the theory, which makes it a more comprehensive and inclusive theoretical foundation from which to assess and analyze the causes of crime.

From the Paper
"The rational choice theory of the causes of criminal behavior is essentially based on the assumption that criminals rationally make decisions that motivate and lead them to commit criminal acts. Rational theory emphasizes individual choice and the personal decision-making process in an attempt to understand the causes of crime. The strength of this theory is that it focuses on the individual and on his or her logical and rational decisions to attain certain goals. "...the rational choice perspective focuses upon the offender's decision-making. Its main assumption is that offending is purposive behavior, designed to benefit the offender in some way." "

Tags:comprehensive, foundation, society, attributes, purposiveness

Abstract
The paper proposes the perfect criminal justice system, one that focuses on networking and collaboration among policing agencies, communities, legal representatives and those accused of or prosecuted for criminal activity. The paper states that the perfect criminal justice system will also concentrate on rehabilitative measures for criminals incarcerated younger than age 40, as research suggests that individuals receiving counseling are less likely to become repeat offenders than those who are simply punished and then released. The paper concludes that the perfect system is not a system that focuses on hostility or punishment for non-malevolent crimes; rather one where communities actively collaborate with legal authorities to build better communities and social networks.

Outline:
Introduction
The System Theory
Reform and Community Collaboration in the Perfect System
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The perfect criminal justice system begins with theory. The theories underlying the perfect system should rely on positive reinforcement and authentic repentance and reform among criminals (Goold, 2004). This system is modeled somewhat after the idealized Japanese policy system, where the policeman encourages during the initial point of contact, or interrogation, the offender to fell "tearful relief" as like "a child when confession of wrongdoing to his parents results in a gentle laugh and warm hug" (Goold, 2004, p.14). Typically the American criminal justice system has focused on retaliation and retribution; this opposes the system introduced here, where policemen should focus on being known for warm, supportive yet just and effective care, not simple strictness (Johnson, 2003) which is more likely to lead to less reform and increasing crime."

Tags:criminal, justice, system, integrity, law

Abstract
This paper examines the cause of criminality as a political stance understood through the societal interpretation of individual behavior. It describes that Karl Marx viewed criminality as a political agenda. The paper argues for a more feminist and Marxist model of criminal justice, which would focus less on how to extirpate crime and more on how to achieve greater social harmony.

From the Paper
"Criminality has been sociologically defined as a form of behavior deviant from the normal and acceptable code in society. It is based on the premise that the action taken by an individual breaks the natural rights that are accorded to the person by birth and right. Yet, there is still controversy connected with the definition of criminality as philosophers and sociologists struggle to understand and create a universal understanding of criminality. Through various cultures and codes the concept of criminality differs and thus defies the definition of criminality as a whole. As we study the concept of criminality we can state that it is a political idea rather than an ethical form of behavior. An action considered unethical may not be criminal and by the same base an idea that is ethical may also be criminal depending on the culture and political base. In context of such a theory then, criminality can be understood using various sociological contexts. Here we will undertake to understand criminality through a feminist view compared with Karl Marx's theory."

Tags:crime, individual, society, criminal, justice, social, harmony

Abstract
The focus of this research review is the relationship that exists between child abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency and adult violence or criminality. This work reviews relevant, reliable, and peer-reviewed literature in this subject area and states findings about prevention methods that target early identification and intervention of those who are predisposed to juvenile or adult violence or criminality due to childhood abuse. The review of literature reveals that a community-based effort that is collaborative in nature and that integrates the many levels of the community into a dynamic process of intervention and prevention is one most likely to succeed. Recommendations of this study include the recommendation that further and deeper research effort be applied toward the establishment of a knowledge base that has the potential to contribute to development of appropriate treatment and interventions. This work makes recommendations for a restructuring of the community-based service provisions for families with domestic violence and child abuse issues. This program implementation would be on a community-wide basis with the central heart of the operation being a community transition and transformation services home center that worked in a close and collaborative relationship with all other service agencies in the community in bringing about a community-based transformation in the lives of families and individuals throughout the community.


Outline:
Abstract
Objective
Introduction
Significance of the Study
Methodology
Literature Review
Summary of the Literature Reviewed
Findings of the Study
Recommendations for Future Research

From the Paper
"The woman who has been beaten may withdraw from the family, which often results in child neglect, and the stress associated with domestic violence may cause women who are at risk for violence to resort to violence. It is also held by researchers that some abused women, in an effort to protect them from the batterer punish the children too harshly. Children who have not experienced physical abuse may still become traumatized over having witnessed domestic violence. Furthermore, children often imitate the behavior they observe and victimize other children while alternatively they may adopt the role of the victim and become withdrawn. Finally the child witnessing domestic abuse or being abused, neglected or victimized may developmentally fail to acquire the ability to control their temper or expression themselves emotionally."

Tags:criminality, violence, trauma, victimization

Abstract
This paper analyzes the criminal justice system prevailing in U.S. It discusses both point of views, i.e. punishment and rehabilitation, mainly focusing on rehabilitation programs.

Tags:SOCIOLOGY / CRIMINAL JUSTICE, SOCIAL WELFARE, criminal justice system

Abstract
This paper examines the content of peer reviewed articles published within a ten-year period, from 1996 to 2006. It focuses on the criminal justice system and its experiences with restorative justice. The paper looks at the values that researchers have that drive investigation during any given period, as seen in the examined articles. The paper also identifies gaps and trends in research during the specified period.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Purpose
Hypothesis
Strengths/Weaknesses
Methods
Data Collections
Results
Method
Variables - Independent and Dependent
Statistical Analysis/Means/Mode/Median
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Given the evidence provided from this study the researcher finds the following true. Hypothesis (1) - proven true, given restorative justices seems to be the more commonly used tool for rehabilitating criminals in the population specified. Other data collected from the content analysis however suggests hypotheses (2), suggesting less relapse is likely among participants engaged in this form of justice remains questionable. Further research is needed to establish or refute this hypothesis, given changing trends in criminal justice and criminal behaviors in the future. Overall, the researcher argues despite some comments to the contrary, restorative justice, which aims to involve victims in the rehabilitation process and encourages convicted criminals at a young age to rehabilitate and participate in their community, remains an effective form of justice."

Tags:investigation, reform, criminal

Abstract
This paper explores the classical theory of crime causation, one of the major theoretical perspectives in the field. The paper begins by describing Cesare Beccaria who is generally seen as the founder of this theory. Several of his influences are evaluated, including ideas regarding the nature of punishment which are central to his theory. The paper evaluates the classical theory in light of modern criminology. A chart entitled 'Comparison of Classical and Positivist Schools' is included.

Outline:
Introduction
Man Pleads Guilty
Classical Causes
Vital Components
Foundation and Focus
Causes Contributing to Frank's Crimes?
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"The Classical Theory, one of the major theoretical perspectives of crime causation, will not fully explain Frank's criminal behavior. This theory may, however, shed a bit of light on the underlying factors contributing to his dark deeds. "Cesare Beccaria - 'the Rousseau of the Italians' (Beirne, 1993:14) - is generally seen, at least symbolically, as the founder of this movement." (Carrabine, Iganski, Lee, Plummer & South, 2004, p. 32 - 33) Beccaria, a humanist born in Milan, Italy in 1738, feverishly worked for the eradication of injustice and illogicality of the judicial system prior to and continuing into his day."

Tags:criminal, behavior, criminal, justice, Cesare, Beccaria, classical, theory, of, crime, causation, positivist

Abstract
In this paper, the writer argues that the US criminal justice system should shift its focus from criminalization to harm reduction and should focus more on rehabilitating criminals rather than incarcerating them. The paper addresses the development of community partnerships, the need for resources for probation and parole officers as well as the permission for a jury to ask questions and take notes during a trial. The paper also discusses the implementation of educational programs in prisons and the advantage of police with bachelors degrees. The paper concludes that a great deal of work needs to be done to make our criminal justice system more efficient at keeping crime off the streets.

Outline:
Criminalization to Crime Reduction
Development of Community Partnerships
Probation and Parole
Jury Notes
Correctional Facilities and their Inmates
Law Enforcement
Hate Crimes

From the Paper
"The future of the criminal justice system can vary in many different ways. For instance, what about jurors being able to take notes while in the trial phase so they can better their verdict? Or perhaps changing nonviolent offenses to serving no prison time so that the system can make room for the more violent offenses? What about the police officers, who make these arrests, should they not be required to earn some kind of degree to work in the field? What about the probation officers and parole officers who deal with the offenders after they are released? Should there not be more resources for probation and parole officers in order to help criminals from re - offending? A great deal can still be done to help improve future of our criminal justice system. The question is what is the system going to do about it?"

Tags:incarceration, rehabilitation, police, degrees, jury, probation, parole, officers

Abstract
This essay examines crime and deviance, looking at the different theories on what causes criminal behavior with the main focus on the family and childhood. The author pays particular attention to the case of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, exploring his childhood and linking it to his criminal behavior.

From the Paper
"Today, deviance and crime plague American society. There are vast degrees of deviance, from a simple shoplifter, to a car theft, to a killing machine with no conscience, otherwise known as the serial killer. But how is this killing machine created? Where and how does this type of criminal behavior begin? The answers to these questions must be addressed in order to stop the formation of this deviance. This essay will investigate the life of one of the most infamous serial killers, Henry Lee Lucas, to answer these questions. In the search for the answer, the question of nature vs. nurture is inevitably brought up. Scientists and psychologists have debated over whether a child's upbringing forms their behavior or whether they are born with a personality. Most scientists believe that biological dysfunctions and physical illnesses are the factors that bring on this type of deviance. Most psychologists will argue family, society, environment, and the media cause criminal behavior. While many factors contribute to this frightening deviance, but the root of criminal behavior lies in the home and the family structure of children."

Tags:childhood, criminology, deviance, family, killer, psychology, serial, henry, lee, lucas, abuse, neglect

Abstract
The paper explains criminal defense as one of the cornerstones of the American criminal justice system which emphasizes the concept of "innocent until proven guilty." The paper explores the types of criminal defenses generally recognized in the legal system, which include alibis, justifications, excuses and procedural defenses. The paper focuses on defining each category, as well as giving examples as to how they might be used. The paper further explores the misconceptions regarding the laws related to defenses against a criminal charge.

From the Paper
"The first category of defenses is the alibi. According to Schmalleger (2004), an alibi is "A statement by an individual that has been charged with a crime that he or she was so far away or so engaged in provable activities that he or she could not have committed the crime." In essence, the alibi defense is a denial that the individual committed the crime. However, this defense is effective only if there is factual or provable evidence that the alibi is legitimate (Schmalleger, 2004)."

Tags:alibi, denial, justification, innocent, guilty, prosecution