...Task 1- how would you define criminology? Criminology could be defined in many ways. My understanding is that there is not one proven categorical definition of the word criminology as there are so many ways to describe it. Criminology has been orientated towards sociological, and has been in the main since the 1920’s. However there are some statements that link criminology to that of Psychological and Biological thinking the book stipulate. However regardless of whichever disipline you choose to define criminology one thing is for certain which “is the use of a systematic way of thinking”. My definition of Criminology is that of the scientific study of crime, criminals, criminal behaviour, the nature and extent of a crime, and the causes and control of criminal behaviour in both the individual and in society. Criminology could be called a social science as it combines the efforts drawn up between sociologists, psychologists and social anthropologists. With there theories and findings it gives a better understanding of crime and criminal behaviour that can support prosecutors, judges, lawyers, prison officials and probation officers, so they can improve or develop more appropriate sentences and treatments for criminal behaviour. Criminology centres its attention on its research in to crime and the individuals who commit crime, it also looks at the criminal justice system in the hope that the information can be transformed into policies that will effect the handling...
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...Is the Death Penalty Effective? Name Institution Is the Death Penalty Effective? The death penalty debate has been ongoing with supporters saying that it contributes towards the deterrent of crime. In the 1970s, this form of punishment was suspended for being unconstitutional (Bedau, 1997). Abolitionists of the death penalty believe that the issue of using capital punishment to deter crime is dependent on the mind of a murderer because it is psychological. Research shows that 88% of the leading criminologists agree that the death penalty does not deter crime (Radelet & Lacock, 2009). Death penalty is a debatable topic, but research shows that it has not deterred crime levels. According to Radelet & Lacock (2009), the use of the death penalty to punish criminals had no effect on the crime levels across the states. Ninety-one percent of the respondents during the study indicated that there are misconceptions on the reason for supporting the death penalty. Politicians support this form of punishment to appear tough on crime while an overwhelming seventy-five percent of the respondent believe it is a diversion from the real solution to social issues. The respondents were positive that adding the number of executions carried out annually or speeding the process would have little or no effect on crime levels in society. The rate of homicides in abolition states is lower than in death penalty states. Research shows that...
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