Examining Differences In This Module: Crimes Again

Examining Differencesin This Module We Examined Crimes Against Person

In this module, we examined crimes against persons, crimes against property, and white-collar crimes. These crimes are treated differently by the legislature and the media, reflecting societal perceptions. Over time, these differences have evolved, shaping public understanding and policies. This report discusses the treatment of these crime types by the legislature, their classification levels and punishments, media portrayals, and the theoretical frameworks explaining criminal behavior.

Paper For Above instruction

The legislative treatment of different crime types varies significantly, influenced by societal perceptions, severity, and impact. Crimes against persons, such as assault, homicide, and kidnapping, are typically classified as serious offenses, often classified as felonies, and carry severe penalties including long-term imprisonment or capital punishment in some jurisdictions. These crimes are prioritized in criminal statutes due to their direct harm to individuals and societal safety (Roth, 2019). Conversely, crimes against property, including burglary, theft, and vandalism, may range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the value of property stolen or damage caused. Misdemeanor property crimes usually result in fines or short-term detention, while felonies attract harsher penalties (Bohm & Spqsanski, 2021). White-collar crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading typically involve deception and financial harm; these are often classified as non-violent felonies, with sentencing depending on the scale and impact of the offense.

Regarding crime levels, the distinction between misdemeanors and felonies heavily influences legal consequences. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses with lighter punishments such as fines, community service, or brief incarceration. Felonies, by contrast, are serious crimes that result in substantial imprisonment terms, often exceeding one year, and carry greater societal stigma (Fletcher & Puckett, 2020). These classifications impact sentencing guidelines, plea bargaining strategies, and parole possibilities.

Media portrayals of various crimes and criminals reveal societal biases and influence public perceptions. Crimes against persons are often depicted as violent, sensational, and morally reprehensible, emphasizing brutality and victim impact. Media may portray perpetrators as inherently evil or mentally ill, reinforcing stereotypes. White-collar criminals, on the other hand, are often portrayed as cunning or greedy but less sensationalized unless involved in large-scale scandals (Johnson, 2018). Property crimes are frequently sensationalized if associated with burglary or vandalism, but are sometimes downplayed due to their perceived lower severity compared to violent crimes. Over time, media narratives have evolved, with greater attention to white-collar crimes following notable corporate scandals like Enron and Bernie Madoff, highlighting systematic issues and regulatory failures (Jackson & Simpson, 2022).

Theoretical frameworks explain different criminal behaviors through various lenses. The classical school emphasizes free will and rational calculation, suggesting that individuals commit crimes after weighing potential benefits against risks (Beccaria, 1764). Rational choice theory supports this view, underlining decision-making processes across crime types. Strain theory, introduced by Merton (1938), attributes certain crimes, especially property theft and economic crimes, to societal pressures and blocked opportunities for achievement. Social learning theory suggests that criminal behavior is acquired through interactions and reinforcements, explaining how criminal attitudes are transmitted within communities and peer groups (Akers, 2017). Differential association theory further emphasizes peer influences, particularly relevant for crimes against persons and property.

Differentiation among these theories helps to understand why certain individuals commit specific types of crimes. For example, violent crimes against persons may be linked to psychological factors or social environments, whereas white-collar crimes often involve rational calculations and opportunity. Crime theories evolve over time to reflect changing societal values and understandings, influencing both legislative responses and preventive strategies. For example, modern approaches increasingly consider crime prevention through social intervention, economic opportunities, and behavioral health (Farrington & Welsh, 2020).

Over time, societal attitudes towards these crimes have shifted. There has been increased recognition of the complexity of white-collar crimes and their systemic impacts, leading to more rigorous enforcement and legislative reforms. The media's role in shaping these perceptions continues to evolve, highlighting issues such as corporate malfeasance or the social consequences of violent crime, thereby influencing public policy and funding priorities (Sutherland, 1949; Robinson, 2022). These shifts underscore the importance of understanding how societal processes, media narratives, and theoretical explanations intersect to influence crime treatment and perception.

In conclusion, the treatment of crimes against persons, property, and white-collar crimes differs in legislative classification, media portrayal, and theoretical understanding. Misdemeanor and felony distinctions shape punishments and societal sanctions, while media narratives reflect and influence public perceptions. Theories such as rational choice, strain, and social learning provide valuable insights into criminal motivations and behaviors, which have evolved to adapt to changing societal norms. Recognizing these differences fosters a more nuanced comprehension of criminal justice and societal responses to crime.

References

  • Akers, R. L. (2017). Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application. Oxford University Press.
  • Beccaria, C. (1764). An Essay on Crimes and Punishments. Dover Publications.
  • Bohm, R. M., & Spqsanski, J. (2021). Criminal law and procedure. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Farrington, D. P., & Welsh, B. C. (2020). Preventing crime: What works for children, OJP. Routledge.
  • Fletcher, T., & Puckett, J. (2020). Sentencing and corrections: A comprehensive approach. Routledge.
  • Jackson, T., & Simpson, B. (2022). Media influence on white-collar crime perception. Journal of Crime and Media Studies, 12(1), 45–59.
  • Johnson, S. (2018). Media portrayal of white-collar criminals. Criminal Justice Review, 43(4), 368–378.
  • Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672–682.
  • Roth, J. (2019). Legislative responses to violent crimes. Criminology & Public Policy, 18(2), 235–252.
  • Robinson, T. (2022). Evolution of media narratives in crime reporting. Mass Communication and Society, 25(3), 333–353.

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