1. Unit 9 Seminar Important due dates Unit 9 – Discussion Board – Due 4/6 Unit 9 Quiz – Due 4/6 Final Power Point Project – Due 4/6

2. 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).

3. 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. (For example, you might discuss the belief that certain research designs are needed in order to generate necessary information in criminological inquiry; or the belief that new theories are needed altogether; or the belief that components of certain theories should be integrated or combined to form a ‘new and improved’ theory; or finally, you may believe that new questions need to be asked regarding the causation of crime.)

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

5. Critical Criminology Critical criminology is aimed at identifying “real” crimes in U.S. society It seeks to evaluate how criminal law is used as a mechanism of social control It describes how power relations create inequities in U.S. society It is concerned with the conservative control over American domestic and foreign policy Crime is defined by those who hold power

6. 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

7. 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

8. The Cause of Crime The key crime-producing element of modern corporate capitalism is the effort to increase surplus value

10. Globalization The process of creating a global economy through transnational markets and political and legal systems

11. Instrumental Theory Sees criminal law and the criminal justice system as capitalist instruments for controlling the lower class Enables the powerful to impose their morality of standards of behavior on the entire society

12. Structural Theory Based on the belief that criminal law and the criminal justice system are means of defending and preserving the capitalist system

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

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

21. 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

22. Restoration Programs negotiation mediation consensus building peacemaking sentencing circles sentencing panels

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

24. 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

25. A final reminder…… All work is due 4/6/10 – midnight! I will be in the classroom throughout the week – if you have questions – send me an email! Thanks for a great class This is our last seminar:0)