Classical Theories
Assumption that crime is an exercise of free will
What is rational choice theory?
Theory asserting that criminals are born with innate physical deficiencies
What is biological determinism (atavism)?
Murder, Forcible rape, Robbery, Aggravated assault, Burglary, Larceny-theft, Motor-vehicle theft, Arson
Celerity, Severity and Certainty
What are the three components of punishment according to the deterrence theory?
Theorist who claimed that all humans have natural drives and urges repressed in unconscious and have criminal tendencies, which can only be controlled through proper parental socialization.
What is Sigmund Freud?
Random survey of households that measures crimes committed against victims and provides the largest national forum for victims to describe the impact of crime and characteristics of violent offenders
What is the NCVS?
Juvenile offenders are less developmentally mature than adults and should be punished differently
What is the neoclassical theory?
Strain theory and Social Disorganization theories
What are social structure theories?
Not everyone reports crime; Offense data available only for a small number of crimes; Hierarchy rule; Attempted crimes are combined with completed crimes
What are weaknesses associated with the UCR?
Assumption that crime can be prevented through criminal sanctions
What is rational choice theory?
Criminal behavior is learned through associations with deviant peers
What is the learning theory?
Respondents might inaccurately recall details about crime victimization or be fearful about disclosing that information.
What are weaknesses associated with the NCVS?
Assumption that offenders weigh the benefits and costs of crime before breaking the law
What is a core part of the deterrence theory?
Deviant behavior results from weakened or broken social controls.
What is the control theory?
National incident reporting system that includes offense and offender details and does not apply the hierarchy rule.
What is the National Incident Based Reporting System?