© 2015 Cengage Learning Chapter 2 Causes of Crime Chapter 2 Causes of Crime © 2015 Cengage Learning

Learning Objective 1 First: what is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of criminology.

© 2015 Cengage Learning The Role of Theory A hypothesis – A possible explanation for an observed occurrence that can be tested by further investigation. – Hypotheses are tested using the scientific method. Theory – An explanation of a happening or circumstance that is based on observation, experimentation and reasoning. (the scientific method)

© 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 2 Contrast classical criminology with positivism.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Choice Theory – Offenders make the choice to commit crime. – Offenders weigh the expected costs of offending against the expected benefits of offending. – Swift and certain punishment is the most powerful deterrent to criminal offending.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Choice Thoeries Classical Criminology Cesare Beccaria: “Essays on Crime and Punishments” – Crime is an expression of a person’s rational decision-making process. – Before committing a crime, a person weighs the benefits of the crime against the costs of being apprehended. – Punishment should fit the crime and be swift and certain Bloody Code A deterrent?

© 2015 Cengage Learning Choice Theories Neo-Classical Theory: Jeremy Bentham – Utilitarianism: humans maximize pleasure and reduce suffering – Punishment needs to be more than the reward to thwart criminal behavior. *Mentally Ill *Children

© 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body (Positivism) Positivism: Cesare Lombroso “Father of Criminology.”Cesare Lombroso -Criminal behavior is determined by biological, psychological, and social forces beyond the control of the individual. Phrenology: Dr. Franz Joseh Gall We are who we are because of our brain.

© 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body Positivism pushed out and Rational Choice Theory hits (1970’s): James Q. Wilson – Before committing a crime, a person acts as if he/she is weighing the benefits against the costs. – If the perceived benefits are greater than the potential costs, the person is more likely to commit the crime.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Discussion Question James Holmes Read the article on James Holmes, p. 36James Holmes, Attempt to explain the reasons why Holmes would commit such a horrible crime against many persons. Discuss your opinion on what should happen to him in the sentencing phase. Discuss if you believe swift, certain punishment has taken place or if the system would benefit from a speedy trial.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 3 Explain how brain-scanning technology is able to help scientists determine if an individual is at risk for criminal offending.

© 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body Biological Theories of Crime Genetics: a branch of biology that deals with traits that are passed through generations. Hormones and aggression Hormones – The brain: Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body. Different neurotransmitters serve different functions. (Bluebelly.org) Serotonin: mood Serotoninmood Dopamine : perception of pleasure and reward Dopamine Norepinephrine: sleep/wake cycles/ response to anxiety, fear and stress Norepinephrine

© 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body Psychological Theories of Crime Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory – The Id, the Ego, and the Superego The Id, the Ego, and the Superego Social Psychology – How humans relate to and influence one another Trait Theory – Biological and psychological views of criminality suggesting that antisocial behavior should be identified and treated before it manifests itself

© 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 4 List and describe the theories of social structure that help explain crime. Stuart Isett/Bloomberg via Getty Images

© 2015 Cengage Learning Bad Neighbors and Other Economic Disadvantages Sociological Theories – The Chicago School and Social Structure Theories Social disorganization theory – Disorganized zones, value role models Broken homes, failing education system, poor living areas, liquor stores, fast food, Drugs. Strain theory – Anomie : without norms – A social structure where all citizens have similar goal without equal means to get them.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Bad Neighbors and Other Economic Disadvantages © Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Bad Neighbors and Other Economic Disadvantages Cultural deviance theory – Subculture Subculture The McCook Outlaws Motorcycle Club was established out of Matilda`s Bar on old Route 66 in McCook, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. – Social Structure Theory and Public Policy Changing neighborhood conditions can prevent crime.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 5 List and briefly explain the three branches of social process theory. Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune/Landov

© 2015 Cengage Learning Life Lessons & Criminal Behavior Social Process Theories – Learning Theory – Control Theory – Labeling Theory Social Process Theory and Public Policy – Crime prevention focuses on juvenile offenders and steering them away from offending and the system.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Discussion Question Prostitution Case Visit the following link: cheerleader-accused-of-prostituting- younger-student?lite cheerleader-accused-of-prostituting- younger-student?lite Discuss this case and apply a social process theory when attempting to justify the actions of the defendant. Give your overall thoughts on the case as an in-class discussion.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 6 Describe the importance of early childhood behavior for those who subscribe to self- control theory. Bob Combs/Photo Researchers via Getty Images

© 2015 Cengage Learning Life Lessons & Criminal Behavior Life Course Theories Behavioral patterns developed in childhood can predict delinquent and criminal behavior later in life.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 7 Contrast the medical model of addiction with the criminal model of addiction. Keith Dannermiller/Corbis

© 2015 Cengage Learning Link between Drugs & Crime Dopamine delivers pleasure, drugs can stimulate production of dopamine. Over time the receptors for dopamine physically change causing them to be less sensitive. Dopamine – Physical dependence – Addiction

© 2015 Cengage Learning Link between Drugs & Crime

© 2015 Cengage Learning Link between Drugs & Crime Models of Addiction – The Medical Model of Addiction Addicts are not criminals, but mentally or physically ill individuals who are forced into acts of petty crime to “feed their habit”. – The Criminal Model of Addiction Illegal drug abusers and addicts endanger society with their behavior and should be punished the same as persons who commit non drug-related crimes.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Discussion Question Medical or Criminal? Divide the class up based on their opinions in comparing the medical model of addiction to the criminal model of addiction. Why did you choose the side that you did? Defend your answer to the class individually. As a group, discuss the factors that led to your choice and argue against the opposite opinion group.

© 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 8 Explain the theory of the chronic offender and its importance for the criminal justice system. Yakobchuk Vasyl/Shutterstock.com

© 2015 Cengage Learning From Theory to Practice Wolfgang’s Chronic Offender – Career criminal – A small group of offenders (6%) are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime. – Habitual offenders laws provide harsher sentences for repeat offenders. Click to watch video