Theories Of Crime And Ethical Consideration: Purpose Of Crim
Summary: Criminological theory tries to explain criminal behavior. The value of learning criminological theory, developments in the field, and key research findings are discussed. Assignment After completing the assigned readings, search for a recent news story online that provides detailed information regarding a crime, the criminal who committed it, victims, and the motive or reason that the crime was committed, and any other relevant details. Include the hyperlink to the news article in your homework. Provide a summary of what occurred and select one of the crime theories assigned readings that best explains the criminals actions.
Identify the central points of the theory and how they align with the criminals actions. What is the motivation behind committing criminal acts? How do some people decide to commit a crime? Do they think about the benefits and the risks? Why do some people commit crimes regardless of the consequences? Why do others never commit a crime, no matter how desperate their circumstances? -->
Theories Of Crime And Ethical Considerationpurpose Of Crime Theories
Criminology has evolved significantly over the centuries, transitioning from supernatural explanations of criminal behavior to sophisticated scientific theories rooted in biology, psychology, and social sciences. This evolution reflects humanity's ongoing effort to understand and address the causes of crime in a systematic manner. Initially, criminal acts were attributed to spiritual or divine influences, but during the Enlightenment in the 18th century, theorists like Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham pioneered the idea that individuals exercise free will and rational choice when engaging in criminal conduct. Such shift laid the foundation for modern deterrence and rational choice theories, emphasizing free will, decision-making, and the weighing of risks and benefits.
Historical Development of Crime Theories
Early criminological thought postulated that supernatural forces or moral failure caused crime. As scientific inquiry advanced in the 1700s, scholars sought explanations grounded in human biology and psychology, leading to theories like atavism (biological predisposition), and later, psychosocial models. Contemporary theories often combine biological, psychological, and social factors, acknowledging the complex interplay that influences criminal behavior.
Ethical and Criminal Justice Considerations
Understanding the origins of criminal behavior is crucial for ethical decision-making within criminal justice systems. Ethical issues arise around fairness, punishment, and rehabilitation. For example, biological determinism raises questions about free will and responsibility, while social theories challenge notions of individual blame by highlighting societal influences. A balanced approach considers both individual accountability and societal factors, striving to develop just policies that neither unjustly penalize nor neglect offenders.
Purpose of Crime Theories and Their Role in Criminal Justice
Crime theories serve to explain why individuals commit offenses, which in turn informs prevention strategies, sentencing, and rehabilitation efforts. They help criminal justice professionals understand offenders' motives, actions, and potential triggers, allowing for more targeted interventions. Theories like Routine Activities, Strain, and Social Learning shed light on different pathways leading to criminal conduct.
The Ethical Decision-Making Process in Crime
Decisions to commit crimes are influenced by an individual's ethical framework, circumstances, perceived risks, and potential benefits. Ethical decision-making models explore how offenders rationalize their actions, often weighing immediate gains against potential punishment or moral considerations. This process is complex and varies widely based on personal values, societal norms, and situational pressures.
Summary and Application
Research demonstrates that multiple factors contribute to criminal behavior. For instance, recent news stories involving crimes such as theft, assault, or cybercrime often reveal underlying motives aligned with specific theories. For example, a story about an individual committing cybercrime to financially support their family may be explained via strain theory, which posits that societal pressures and lack of legitimate opportunities can lead to criminal acts.
To illustrate, suppose a recent news article reports on a person who committed robbery after losing their job and experiencing financial hardship. Applying the strain theory, which suggests that societal pressures can push individuals towards crime when legitimate means are inaccessible, provides a compelling explanation for their actions. This aligns with claims that economic strain and limited social support increase vulnerability to criminal behavior.
Individuals decide to engage in criminal conduct based on their assessment of risks and rewards, often influenced by personal ethics, social environment, and perceived opportunities. Some individuals may rationalize criminal acts as justified or necessary, while others avoid crime due to strong moral convictions or fear of consequences. Factors such as personality traits, upbringing, peer influence, and community context shape these decisions. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics helps develop effective intervention, prevention, and ethical policies within the criminal justice system.
Conclusion
Theories of crime provide vital insights into the multifaceted nature of criminal behavior, integrating biological, psychological, and social perspectives. These frameworks assist in creating ethical, fair, and effective criminal justice policies. As criminology continues to evolve, it remains essential to consider the ethical implications of applying these theories, ensuring that responses to crime uphold justice and human dignity.
References
- Bonger, E. (2019). The Social Forces in Crime and its Prevention. Routledge.
- Cressey, D.R. (2017). Principles of Criminology. Harper & Row.
- Hagan, J. (2018). Crime and Disrepute: Ethical Perspectives in Criminal Justice. Sage Publications.
- Siegel, L. J. (2021). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies. Cengage Learning.
- Rusche, G. & Kirchheimer, O. (2020). Punishment and Social Structure. Routledge.
- Wilkinson, G. (2022). Introduction to Criminology. Pearson.
- Agnew, R. (2019). Toward a Unified Strain Theory of Crime. Criminology.
- Beccaria, C. (2018). On Crimes and Punishments. Hackett Publishing.
- Bentham, J. (2020). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Oxford University Press.
- Walters, G. D. (2019). Psychological Theories of Crime. Routledge.