...According to the Oxford Dictionary crime is “an action or omission which constitutes an offence and is punishable by law” (reference). There are different types of criminal offenses. Crimes are sub-categorized into violent crimes and non-violent crimes. Crimes of violent nature may involve assault, battery, rape, homicide, and kidnapping, to name a few. These types crimes bring either physical or mental harm to a person. Non-violent crimes may involve crimes such as embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, and burglary. Such crimes are offenses against property. White-collar crime is a non-violent crime. According to Geis’ (Geis, 2002, p.8) the term “white-collar crime” was coined by Edwin Sutherland. He introduced the concept during the American Sociological Society Meeting in 1939. During the meeting, Sutherland raised a concern about high-status white-collar offenders receiving less attention for their crimes than the attention that traditional criminals of low-status are receiving. Later, in his book “White Collar Crime”, Sutherland defined white-collar crime as "a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation.". Through his definition, Sutherland intended to point out that traditional crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and the likes were more likely to be committed by lower class citizens. While he also tried to point out that white-collar crimes are mostly committed by persons of high stature in society, according...
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...Dane Barton Reflective Essay A life experience that I learned something new is how to start driving a car. We all go through this same experience in our lives in some point of time. When I first drove a car was when I was 12. My brother let me drive down a dirt road where no body would be found just to be safe. He thought it would be a good experience for me to start driving a car that young. He would let me do this twice a week and I felt like I was getting the hang of it. So my ego kicked in and I decided to go fast down this dirt road. My brother told me to slow down, but I told him I got this. Then out of no where a car pulled out in front of me and I slammed on the brakes but it was already too late so we hit the car pulling out, and no body was injured luckily, but the woman’s car I hit was totaled. So I was in big trouble and so was my family. We ended up having to pay for her next car that’s all she wanted us to do. She didn’t take an advantage over us to sue us so we lucked out there. This influenced my life tremendously because now I don’t have any motivation to go fast since I got lucky by not hurting anyone in the crash and the woman not suing...
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...Joan Didion: What is Home? In Joan Didion’s essay “On Going Home” she writes about leading a double life. She feels like one person when she’s with her husband and daughter in Los Angeles, and a completely different person when back “home” surrounded by her childhood family in the Central Valley of California. During this particular trip, she begins to reflect on her life in Los Angeles. Didion contemplates the fact that she often feels uneasy around her husband, just like he feels uneasy being around her family. At a crossroad, she must decide not only who she is, and the life she wants, but also the kind of life she wants for her daughter. Her life in Los Angeles has cleansed her from her youth—one that was dusty and full of useless trinkets. She ponders the time her husband wrote the word “D-U-S-T” on those useless trinkets and she remembers her feelings of sadness and indignation. She says, “We live in dusty houses…filled with mementos quite without value to him” (139-40). The dust-covered trinkets signify what is important to her, or what needs to be addressed in her marriage. Yet, these objects just lay there waiting for someone to see them—for someone to dust them off and care for them—not unlike how Didion wishes her husband would see her and nurture her in their marriage. Didion wonders which of her two homes is normal or if they are both flawed. When she and her husband are with her family, he becomes apprehensive about her behavior, “…because once there I fall...
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...Title Student’s name Course Institution Date Defining and Measuring Crime Introduction Crime has always been a shadow upon society’s image as these learned behaviors can be present in all shapes and sizes, in cities, streets, and even homes. Defining crime is multifaceted, and mainly relies on social, economic, and political factors. However, crime is a behavior and action punishable by law. People argue on the extent of crime which deserves punishment or law action. In general, no matter how depraved, culpable, treacherous, or damaging an act or behavior is, it will be subject to punishment. Other people argue that crimes depend on law of a state and the legislature. The types of punishment vary depending on the crime committed and seriousness of the crime. Criminal behavior changes from place to place and from time to time. Strong public notions and varying moral values have a substantial influence on the interpretation and understanding of crime. The first main problem of studying crime is coming up with the appropriate definition of the act or behavior. Discussion Crime covers complicated and several acts and behaviors that it has been difficult to have a standard definition of the subject. For instance, some countries and states have legalized abortion while others still consider abortion a crime. Matters of homosexuality are still frowned upon by some people because of their moral standings. In this case, it can be confusing on whether abortion...
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...for educational resources for the police captains who will be developing a new citywide crime prevention strategy. In addition to the resources that will be discussed are the key differences between deductive, inductive, grounded, and axiomatic research theories. However, there are differences and similarities between the theories and hypothesis that will also be discussed. Defining the theory is more valid then the other and what are variables will also be included in this assignment. Lastly, they have important components of theoretical schemes and that is vital to demonstrate the key points in the scenario of a consultant and an educational consultant. Introduction In a research process there are many factors to consider in educating individuals on criminal justice research. However, to understand the strategy in constructing new citywide crime prevention strategy there are key points that needs to be discussed. They key points that will be demonstrated for educational resources will include defining theories of deductive, inductive, grounded, and axiomatic research theories. Furthermore, with one of these theories one can be considered more valid then the other. There are many theories introduced in the criminal justice system but they all have similarities and differences that make them so unique in the world of criminal justice. Understanding the theories is one key point but defining what variables are and why they are important components of theoretical schemes is also...
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...1a. The consensus view of defining crime is the most democratic view of defining crime. The rules governing what crime is and is not acceptable are systematized through the prevailing governing body based on the standards and values of the current societal structure. The conflict view maintains that crime laws are used to encourage the theory of haves and have-nots. The ruling class uses the law to stay where they are and not allow any person in the lower class to advance. The interactionist can be seen as a combination of the consensus view and the conflict view. People who have power use that power to influence the legal system to correspond to their moral views. The people in power do not use their power to preserve their social standing,...
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...on the television in any given evening and you can catch an episode or 20 of any number of crime shows (and all of their spin-offs) that showcases an intricate plot and horrific crimes. It is not uncommon for the viewer to get “sucked” into the storyline and then become personally invested in the outcome of the story. I often wonder what it is about theses crime shows and psychological thriller series that keep the viewer’s tuning in. What’s s the draw? Not only do we become drawn in, but at some point we even become infatuated with the subject matter and long to see more. Have was as a society completely lost all sense of right and wrong or has the media desensitized us to the realities of serial murderers? Defining the Serial Killer. In order to pinpoint the progression of fascination with serial killers, it is important to first establish a working definition of the term. The FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit defines serial killings as “the unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s), in separate (Morton). Generally the classification of serial murder is accompanied by the length of time between kills, or the “cooling off period.” In addition, the killer is usually a stranger to the victim and the murders appear to be unconnected or random. The FBI is credited with establishing this term, and by doing so, achieved a position of unquestioned authority in defining serial murders. Serial Killers and Their Fame. Today’s iconic status of serial killers demonstrates...
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...theories to understand how it occurs. One is functional theory, another one is conflict theory. For functional theory, deviance is a basic part of social organization. By defining deviance, society sets its moral boundaries. And the deviance here is universal. However, for conflict theory, deviance results from social inequality. Norms, including laws reflect the interests of powerful members of society. In other words, deviance is political: people with little power are at high risk of being labeled deviance. In terms of functional analysis, deviance is a necessary element of social organization. Deviance affirms cultural values and norms. There can be no good without evil and no justice without crime. Responding to deviance clarifies moral boundaries. By defining some individuals as deviant, people draw a boundary between right and wrong. Responding to deviance brings people together. When terrorists attacks occurred, people joined by a common desire to protect their country and bring the terrorists to justice. Deviance encourages social change. Today’s deviance can become tomorrow’s justice. For example, rock-and-roll condemned as immoral in the 1950’s, however, it became a multibillion-dollar industry a few years later. So does hip-hop music. Let’s look at the definition of conflict crime. Conflict crimes are deviant acts that the state defines as illegal but the definition is controversial in the wider society. As we learned in the class, the key concept of the conflict...
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...Social Influence of Crime Stu Dent CJA/384 28 October 2012 T. Cher Social Influence of Crime Organized crime has been a research topic in criminal justice for many reasons. It appeals to researchers because of the variables that are involved in defining why organized crime exists and how it has been as successful as it has been. With all of this research comes a series of theories on how organized crime works and how society can benefit from understanding these concepts. Reviewing and defining a few of these theories will assist in understanding theories of organized crime. Among the foundation of organized crime is the idea that it is a social institution. Common examples of a social institution include schools, churches, sporting leagues and the work place. These are institutions that allow for social gathering and influence. However, a social institution can be defined as more than that. It does not have to be an actual building or infrastructure to physically gather in. Instead, a social institution is a set of social norms that establish the collective value of the society. It is not just the place to be social, but also the ideas that bond the group together and create that environment (Walker, 2011). In keeping with this idea, social institution has had a large impact on organized crime. In some ways, this social institution has created the environment for organized crime to grow and be successful. For example, the prohibition of alcohol in the early 1900s is...
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...talk about criminal justice is important to define crime, its relationship to the law, and the two most common models of how society determines which acts are criminal. Also is important to describe the government structure as it applies to the criminal justice system. Furthermore, identifying the choice theories and their assumptions in regards to crime is important. As well as describing the components of the criminal justice system and the criminal justice process. In addition, identifying the goals of the criminal justice system is essential when talking about criminal justice, and addressing thoughts on whether the criminal justice system is really a system. Defining a crime and its relationship to the law is an important component when talking about criminal justice. In fact, according to University of Phoenix, CJi Interactive, crime can be defined as “conduct in violation of the criminal law of the state, the federal government, or local jurisdiction, for which there is no legally acceptable justification or excuse.” Meaning, that every crime depends on the location of the person who broke the law, which the same suggest that a person’s behavior may not be consider a crime depending on the status of the person who committed the crime, and even why this person broke the law. Consequently, society determines which are criminal acts depending on the behavior or the person. Which, according to CJ interactive “crime should include many behaviors that are not defined...
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... This course is an introductory overview of the organization and jurisdictions of local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial and corrections agencies, and processes involved in the criminal justice systems. It examines the historical aspects of the police, the courts, and the correctional system, as well as the philosophy. Additionally, career opportunities and qualifying requirements, terminology, and constitutional limitations of the system will also be covered. ------------------------------------------------- Course Topics and Objectives Week One: The Criminal Justice System 1 * Define crime and its relationship to law. * Describe the two most common models of how society determines which acts are criminal. * Identify choice theories of crime and their underlying assumptions. * Identify instruments for measuring crime. Week Two: The Criminal Justice System * Describe...
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...functionalism, conflict, feminist, and social interactionism, the conflict perspective can explain why women, African-Americans, youth, and low-income people have the highest rates of violent crime victimization and exploitation. For instance, a result of criminalization of “victimless crimes” such as prostitution is one less way for people to make money. Some critics even believe it’s a waste to punish perpetrators of victimless crimes. The criminalization of victimless crimes can be seen as a way for people in power to remain in power; thus putting women and low-income people at a disadvantage. Victimless crimes also can demonstrate another argument of the conflict perspective; crime is a way to define and perceive one’s social status. How one is treated by law enforcement is a way for society to view and label a person. Because the law deems drug use, gambling, and other mala prohibit as “crimes,” people who partake those activities can be seen as low-lives, thugs, inappropriate, or other negative things. They are also controllable by the power elite, and it can be said that those in power create policies and laws in order to preserve their own power. Conflict creates and maintains group solidarity by defining and utilizing boundaries between groups; when society defines a crime and judges the people who commit them, the lines are drawn and power is upheld by those who make the labels. However, some people are forced to do these things because of low finances and other...
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...Property and Computer Crimes Paper John Samaniego, CJA354 May 22, 2011 Property and Computer Crimes Paper In today’s society because of the economic stress and high unemployment rate many crimes exist. The criminal justice system has become overwhelmed with various crimes. Summarizing and defining these crimes society will have a better understanding of these crimes as well as the effect these crimes may have on the community in a negative manner. Not only do these crimes effect society these crimes put a major strain on the criminal justice system as well as the professionals within this system. Kidnapping is the act of removing an individual(s) through intimidation, threat(s) fraud or force from the place for which he or she is found. Kidnapping invades one`s privacy as well as disrupts his or her freedom. Kidnapping also considered a form of aggravated false imprisonment because of the moving and hiding an individual(s). Early common law says that abduction by force and transporting of individual(s) out of his or her country created an act of kidnapping. In today`s judicial system kidnapping cases look more upon the degree of movement in regard to the distance that the abductor(s) forcefully moved an individual(s) Movement must involve substantial amount of distance. For example, forcing an individual out of one`s way or even moving an individual across the street is not looked upon as kidnapping in the criminal justice system (Schmalleger, 2010). False imprisonment...
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... 2013). The cycle of crime, punishment, and poverty rise from victimization and collateral sanction for individuals and minor social groups from stratification and economic deprivation. The collateral sanction limit resources for the improvement of social status, employment...
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...here. On appeal, Palmer argued that conspiracy to commit reckless manslaughter is not a legally cognizable crime in Colorado. Noting that conspiracy is a crime requiring a specific intention to achieve the forbidden result and that reckless manslaughter is a crime requiring recklessness with respect to the result, Palmer argued that it is logically impossible to specifically intend that an unintended death occur. ISSUE: Does a conspiracy require that the conspirator intend to cause a particular result? LAW: A person acts “intentionally” or “with intent” when his conscious objective is to cause the specific result proscribed by the statute defining the offense. A person acts with criminal negligence when, through a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise, he fails to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a result will occur or that a circumstance exists.” § 18-1-501(3). ANALYSIS: The crime of conspiracy requires two mental states. First, the defendant must possess the specific intent to agree to commit a particular crime. Second, the defendant must possess the specific intent to cause the result of the crime that is the subject of the agreement. Specific intent is an integral part of the crime and must be established with the same certainty as any other material element of the crime. The People argue that the crime of conspiracy to commit reckless manslaughter, if recognized, would not require the...
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