Criminology Criminology and the Criminologist’s Roles

Criminology and Criminologists Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminals, and criminal behavior Criminologists scientifically study the nature and extent of crime; patterns of criminality; explanations for the causes of crime and criminal behavior; and the control of crime and criminal behavior.

Definition of Crime The legal definition of crime or public offense is – “an act committed or omitted in violation of a law forbidding or commanding it, and to which is annexed, upon conviction, either, or a combination of the following punishments –death –imprisonment –fine –removal from office –disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit (Black’s Law Dictionary)

For an Act to be a Crime The must be an act or omission The act or omission must be in violation of a law forbidding or commanding it There must be criminal intent (mens rea) or criminal negligence There must be a union or joint operation of act and intent or criminal negligence Punishment must be provided by law

Crime is Relative Acts are not crimes unless and until laws exist that prohibit them Behavior can be considered criminal in one place but not in another (it varies with place and time) Civil, or tort, law deals with non-criminal offenses that are handled by civil rather than criminal courts Civil courts award damages to the victim Criminal courts impose punishments only on the behalf of the state (it can also levy fines)

Theoretical Perspectives Functionalist perspective stresses social factors that reinforce cooperation and harmony (norms become laws because they reflect society’s social consciousness Conflict perspective stresses that value conflicts are the basis for crime and that definitions of crime reflect the vested interests of certain groups in society over others (economic power determines what becomes law)

Continue Theoretical Perspectives Interactionist perspective is a microlevel approach that focuses on interacting individuals and defines crime as criminal behavior learned in social contexts. It focuses on social behavior from the standpoint of the individuals involved in day-to-day interaction and defines criminal behavior as product of social learning Feminist perspective is linked to the conflict perspective and focuses on women’s experiences and issues Cultural perspective focuses on the way that crime and crime control are given meaning by popular culture, especially the media, both as political and social issues and as entertainment. (Jeff Ferrell and Neil Websdale)

Contemporary Integrated Theory Deterrence Theory – stresses the idea that an individual’s choice to commit or not commit a crime is influenced by the fear of punishment Rational Choice perspective – individual make rational decisions but the decisions are driven by situational factors including access control, entry and exit screening, surveillance, brighter streetlights and home alarms. (seen as a contemporary integrated theory) Routine Activities Theory – stress the idea that criminals balance the costs as well as the benefits of committing crimes –Must have a motivated offender, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians

Measurements of Crime FBI Crime index (UCR) 94.2 %– Part I offenses and Part II offenses (available at –Part I offenses include: murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson –Part II offenses include: all other crimes including simple assault, prostitution, sex offenses, fraud, embezzlement, vandalism, and gambling. Does not include traffic violations –Inaccuracy –Classification issues –do not addresses white collar-crime, organized crime or victimless crimes –

Measurements of Crime continued Victimization surveys – NCVS available at –underestimating –overestimating –embarrassment –do not addresses white collar-crime, organized crime or victimless crimes –fear Self reports –Sampling –Under/over estimating –Validity and reliability –do not addresses white collar-crime, organized crime or victimless crimes