1. Crime & Deviance Part 2: Crime & Capital Punishment

2. Crime Any act that’s labeled as such by those in authority, is prohibited by law, and is punishable by the government

3. Who commits crimes? More likely if – male – white – African Americans – Under 25 – Warm weather – Aggressive thoughts & behaviors – In a large group

4. How the heck do we know all this? Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) by the FBI Certain limitations – Not all complaints filed (especially with family and sexual assault cases) – Police more likely to report if individual has bad attitude & from higher social class

5. 5 Categories of Crime

6. 1. Violent Crime Murder, rape, robbery Very small % of all crimes committed

7. 2. Crime Against Property RobberyBurglaryLarceny StealingBreaking & EnteringUsually doesn’t use force ArmedIntent to stealMotor vehicle theft In presence of victim Aggravated /Armed Doesn’t always cause damage Purse-snatch, shoplifting, fraud, forgery, identity theft, embezzlement

8. 3. Victimless Crime Prostitution, gambling, vagrancy, Harm no one but person committing act

9. 4. White-Collar Crime High social status Fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, toxic pollution, political corruption Downplayed by public / press Most costly type

10. 5. Organized Crime Large-scale organization of professional criminals that control business through violence / threat of violence Drug trafficking, illegal gambling, unfair labor practices, etc.

11. Criminal Justice System

12. Police Have immediate control over whose arrested Police discretion – power to decide Considerations: – Seriousness of offense – Wishes of victim – Attitude of suspect – Bystanders present – African Americans (racial profiling)

13. Courts Once arrested – courts have responsibility 3 parts – Guilty or innocent – Sane / Insane – Punishment if guilty Plea Bargaining – plead guilty to lesser crime for lighter sentence

14. Types of Violent Crime Felonies – serious crimes (jail time, loss of voting privileges) Misdemeanors – less serious Homicide – killing of another human being (the action) – 2 types: murder & manslaughter

15. Murder Unlawful killing of another human being with intent or malice afterthought 1 st Degree – provoked, premeditated 2 nd Degree - homicide same time as felony – Unplanned, but fully aware of actions

16. Manslaughter Voluntary – Intent to kill but was provoked – Mental disorder, self-defense gone too far – “In the heat of passion” Involuntary – Killing without malice, no intent, a terrible accident

17. Corrections If found guilty – use sanctions 4 basic functions of corrections: – Retribution – revenge for victim / society – Deterrence – discourage from future crimes – Rehab – return to society as law-abiding citizen – Social Protection – prevent from committing more crimes

18. Recidivism Repeated criminal behavior 2/3 of released prisoners will be charged with new crimes

19. Juvenile Justice System Contemporary Idea – used to remain in custody way too long, vague laws Try to provide more services to rehab them Can be tried as adults for serious crimes