Unit 9 Seminar Important due dates Unit 9 – Discussion Board – Due 4/27 Unit 9 Quiz – Due 4/27 Final Power Point Project – Due 4/27 me at with any

Power Point Final Project 1. Select at least two theories from two separate units within the course (for example, one theory from the unit discussing the Choice theories, and one theory from the unit discussing the Trait theories. DO NOT select theories from the same unit of study, i.e., two theories from the Choice theories).

PowerPoint Final Project (cont) Construct a PowerPoint Presentation, with a minimum of six slides (excluding the title slide and References slide), that meets the following criteria: Describe the basic elements of each theory, including what the theory considers to be the major factors that cause crime Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between these two theoretical perspectives. Describe any improvements that are needed to enhance each theory.

Chapter Eight: Critical Criminology: It’s a Class Thing

Critical Criminology Critical criminology asks different questions than other theories that you’ve studied… …like how “criminal” comes to be defined. It is primarily concerned with the law as a mechanism of power.

Origins Began during the social upheaval of the 1960s Critical of positivist criminology Embraces the notion that unequal distribution of power and wealth produce crime in three ways: - By putting those without power in a situation where they are driven to crime; - By “creating” crimes through the writing of laws; and - By allowing those in power to get away with “real” crimes.

How Critical Criminologists Define Crime A political concept designed to protect the power and position of the upper classes and the expense of the poor Criminals are products of the society and its economic system To control crime, a society must remove the social conditions that promote crime. Also, criminologists must recognize the role of the law in defining who is studied as “criminal.”

Critique of Critical Criminology Neglects the capitalist system’s effort to regulate itself Fails to address conflicts in socialist countries Fails to explain why some highly capitalist countries have low crime rates

Emerging Forms of Critical Criminology left realism peacemaking criminology critical feminist theory power-control theory

Left Realism Approach that sees crime as a function of relative deprivation under capitalism and favors pragmatic, community-based crime prevention and control Represents a compromise between conflict and traditional criminology

Critical Feminist Theory Approach that explains both victimization and criminality among women in terms of gender inequality, patriarchy, and the exploitation of women under capitalism Explains gender bias, violence against women, and repression

Power-Control Theory The view that gender differences in crime are a function of economic power and parental control Girls are controlled more closely than boys in traditional male-dominated households and there is gender equity in contemporary egalitarian homes

Peacemaking Criminology Approach that considers punitive crime control strategies to be counterproductive and favors the use of humanistic conflict resolution to prevent and control crime Offers a new approach to crime control through mediation

Critical Theory and Public Policy Seek to reduce conflict and competition in society Reduce harsh punishment of offenders

Restorative Justice Using humanistic, non-punitive strategies to right wrongs and restore social harmony

Principles of Restorative Justice Crime is an offense against human relationships Victims and the community are central to justice processes The first priority of justice processes is to assist victims The second priority is to restore the community The offender has personal responsibility to the victims and to the community The offender will develop improved competency and understanding

Restoration Programs negotiation mediation consensus building peacemaking sentencing circles sentencing panels

Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) The justice system should give equal weight to offender accountability, competency development, and community protection

Concerns about Restorative Justice Is it a political movement or a treatment process? Must be wary of cultural and social differences No single definition Must balance the needs of offenders with those of the victims Benefits may only be short-term

A final reminder…… All work is due 4/27/10. Dr. Palombo is unavailable; please reach out to me at with any questions pertaining to the