Introduction to Crime

Degrees of Deviance Primary Secondary Person only engages in deviance in isolated acts Secondary Deviance as a lifestyle and personal identity

Race, Ethnicity and Crime Minorities receive unequal treatment in the American criminal justice system African-Americans and Latinos are more likely that whites to be convicted Nearly half of all homicide victims are African-Americans Less likely to seek the death penalty if the victim is African American

Why? Less access to economic resources Minority issues are less important to some Victim Discounting

Crime and Punishment 2003: 15% of households experienced crime Juvenile Crime Crime rate has dropped Reduction in crack cocaine and gangs Stiffer penalties

How To Stop Crime Deterrence Retribution Incarceration Rehabilitation Recidivism