University:
Elon University
Course:
PSY 357 | Criminal Behavior
Academic year:

2024
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246

Pages:

1
Author:

customer-8567400

Lecture 1-Introduction Criminal Behaviour: A minority of offenders commit the majority of crime 6% of the population commits over 50% of offences (Wolfgang et al. 1972) About 25% of active offenders commit around 70-80% of offences (Crime Survey for England and Wales, 2001-2017) Utilitarianism 'The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation' (Jeremy Bentham, 1789). Laws should consider what benefits the greatest number of people. Emphasis on the greater good. An action is morally right if it has consequences that lead to happiness, and wrong if it brings about the reverse. Many such acts may be defined as criminal by certain cultures or societies. Deviant behaviour cannot be considered in isolation from the situation in which it occurs. What are some limitations of utilitarianism? No consideration of minority groups. Happiness is subjective and can't be measured. Control Theories 'Crime is given, non-crime has to be explained' (Junger, 1994). Natural tendency to act of out self-interest (criminal behaviour does not have to be learned). Assumes every society/culture rejects delinquent acts. Emphasis on influences that prevent criminal acts, for example deterrence. Social Control Theories: Socialisation processes create social bonds Attachment to significant others. Commitment to conventional subsystems (desire to conform and invest in conforming mode of behaviour). Involvement in conventional activities. Belief in conventional values. Utilitarianism and the Social Contract The legislative power belongs to the people and can belong to it along (Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1762) An agreement between the people (the Sovereign) and the Government, . The Sovereign surrenders certain rights and accepts certain duties. All people are thus equal. Government agrees to establish laws and regulations that are just and fair and to ensure that the population abide by these rules. Control crime using enforcement, imposition of penalties.

Lecture 1 - Introduction Criminal Behavior

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