The Major Aspects of Criminology By Alyssia Facundo

Deviant and Abnormal Behavior Abnormal behavior is described as maladaptive or personally distressed Distress, dysfunctional, or deviant Deviant behavior is an action taken as unusual from a social point of view but cannot be punished for. Formal: robbery, rape, and murder, in which can be punished by the law Informal: talking to yourself in public or standing uncomfortably close to another person which have few consequences and may not cause serious harm

Theoretical factors assumed to cause crime Biological Factors and Genetics The Attachment Theory Suggests that if a child is pulled away from a mother figure during a young age, they most certainly can experience intellectual, social, and emotional affects which are more likely to cause the child as an adult to have violent or even criminal behavior Subcultures Term used to differentiate individuals or groups based on their demographic background Labeling The view of deviance according to which being labeled as a "deviant" leads a person to engage in deviant behavior.

Impact of crime on persons and property Short-term reactions Occurs during or immediately after the crime and last for about 3 months Examples: shock, surprise, and terrified expressions and/or extreme high levels of anxiety, rapid heart rate, hyperventilation, and stomach distress. Long-term reactions If victim trauma is not addressed with mental health assistance, the original and short-term trauma reactions can worsen and turn into long-term reactions. major depression, anxiety disorders, abuse of alcohol and other drugs, increased risk of further victimization, etc.

Extent of crime in the United States. Two statistical programs that the United States uses to measure the impact of crime FBI Uniform Crime Reports (UCR): reports monthly crimes such as, murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and arson. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): detailed reports, from interviews with the victims of the crime, on crime incidents, victims, and trends.

Ramifications of violent crimes, the career criminal, and organized crime When a person feels harmed or threatened with violent behavior Example: homicide, murder, sexual assault, rape, robbery, kidnapping or abduction. Victims involved in major violent crimes may also experience emotional problems and distress Career Criminal Someone who repeatedly commits a crime and earns their income through criminal activities. The penalty for a career criminal is determined by state law, whether it is a mandatory sentence or given by a judge. “Three-strike” rule Organized Crime An organized crime is criminal activities that are planned and controlled by a higher group of individuals usually on a larger scale in order to gain money and profit. Example: terrorist groups, mafia, or gangs Time prison or life in prison with no parole if sexual assault is involved.

Concept of victimless crimes An illegal act usually between two consenting adults and it is consensual, which means technically there is no victim in the crime. Example: public drunkenness, sexual acts like prostitution, drug offenses, gambling, and even abortion There is a continuous debate of describing or the determination if the crime is a victimless crime Victimless crimes are committed by those who believe they did no wrong or that they don’t necessarily need help from the criminal law. Punishment for most victimless activities are the original law put in place for the crime itself or they are charged with a misdemeanor.

References https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/coping-crime/how- can-crime-affect-you http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and- law/law/law/victimless-crime http://www.saputo.law/criminal-law/texas/engaging-in-organized-criminal- activity/ https://www.brennancenter.org/publication/crime-trends1990-2016 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3375078/ https://cdn.americanprogress.org/wpcontent/uploads/issues/2012/06/pdf/ violent_crime.pdf