Chapter 4 Criminal justice

Question 1

Classical School Theory

Answer 1

emphasize rational reasons for crime, with an emphasis on secularity; ex: No, the Devil didn’t make you do it

Question 2

Deterrence

Answer 2

the power of punishment and fear of punishment

Question 3

How do we deter people from crime

Answer 3

efficacy of certainty, speed, and severity

Question 4

Positivist Theories

Answer 4

Criminal act is a result of underlying problems (whether they be social, psychological, or physical). Response must address not just the act, but the cause as well

Question 5

Uses scientific method to study mind, body, and environment of offenders

Answer 5

positivist theories

Question 6

Pseudo-Biological Theories

Answer 6

Posits (incorrectly) that we can judge criminality by physical features. Canine teeth, high cheekbones, large jaws

Question 7

Criminogenic features

Answer 7

describes broader correlations; ex: poverty can be criminogenic

Question 8

biological determinism

Answer 8

one or more physical traits will determine one or more behavioral traits (violent behavior, criminal inclination, greed)

Question 9

biological theories

Answer 9

emphasize physiological and neurological factors that may predispose a person to commit crime

Question 10

Psychological theories

Answer 10

emphasizes the role of mental illness in criminality ex: psychopathy, sociopathy, personality disorders, psychosis

Question 11

Sociological theories

Answer 11

no one is born criminal–criminality is a choice that is influenced by external factors (gender, income, disruption, age)

Question 12

Social structure theories

Answer 12

criminal behavior is related to social class through differences in wealth, status, and power

Question 13

Robert Merton’s Strain Theory

Answer 13

results from a failure to achieve a shared societal value. Crime occurs when individuals are unable to cope with that strain

Question 14

Conformity

Answer 14

accepts society’s values and accepts legitimacy of means

Question 15

retreatism

Answer 15

rejects society’s values and rejects legitimacy of means

Question 16

rebellion

Answer 16

revolts against society’s values and creates new means

Question 17

ritualism

Answer 17

rejects society’s values but accepts legitimacy of means

Question 18

innovation

Answer 18

accepts society’s values but rejects legitimacy of means

Question 19

criminality

Answer 19

requires a violation of criminal code

Question 20

Conventional crime

Answer 20

goal oriented

Question 21

Labeling theories

Answer 21

criminality is a behavior that is adopted once institutions or influential people label or treat people like criminals

Question 22

social conflict theory

Answer 22

criminal law, courts, and policing are human systems that have been designed to control the poor