How Do Criminal Theories Influence Policy Development? Flashcards
What is informal policy making?
Policy making at a community level - it is independent on social ties and value consensus
What are the two forms of formal policy making?
Crime control policies - laws, regulations and other governmental actions designed to reduce crime
State punishment policies - punishments put in place by the government after a crime is committed
What biological theories influence crime reduction?
Death Penalty
Eugenics
Neurochemicals
What individualistic theories influence crime reduction?
Psychoanalysis
Anger Management
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/Behaviour Modification
What sociological theories influence crime reduction?
Custodial/Non Custodial Sentencing Restorative Justice CCTV Multi-Agency Model Zero Tolerance Penal Populism
What do biological theorists argue about the death penalty?
Death penalty should be used for those ‘born a criminal’ - using the death penalty removes criminals and have a better social order.
What is a criticism of using the death penalty to remove ‘born criminals’?
We cannot determine if someone is criminal based on their genetics/ features
Many people in the past who were put to death ended up being innocent
What do biological theorists argue about eugenics?
To improve humanity and society those with negative traits that can be inherited should not be allowed to reproduce as they will be passed down - reduce risk of criminals being born.
There should be higher rates of sexual reproduction amongst those with desired traits
What is a criticism of eugenics?
Seen as unethical
Cant determine If someone is born criminal
Need crime for society to function
How do custodial/non custodial sentences influence crime reduction?
Prison acts as a deterrence - discourages others from committing or reoffending
Helps with rehabilitation - reintegrates offenders back into society and changes behaviour
What are some criticisms of custodial/non custodial sentences?
Not always effective - high reoffending rates
Short sentences aren’t really an effective punishment
How does restorative justice influence crime reduction?
The offender takes responsibility for their actions
Offenders can feel remorse - reflect on their behaviour
How is restorative justice criticised?
RJ relies on co-operation from both parties which doesn’t always happen - offender or victim may refuse
How does CCTV influence crime reduction?
Designed to change the environment where crime occurs - deters criminality
Increases the threat of being identified and evidence being collected
Effective in reducing visible crime - theft/vandalism
How is CCTV criticised?
Not very effective in reducing violent street crime
Not all crime can be tackled this way - domestic abuse
