STUDY GUIDE
โข Critical criminology- theory that examines the socio-economic and political structures
that contribute to criminal behavior
o Structural inequality- social, economic, and political structures in fostering
inequality, which can lead to criminal behavior
o Power relations- examine how power in a society contributed to the definition of
crime and the enforcement of laws
o Root cases- addresses the root cause of criminal behavior rather than solely
punishing offenders
โข Labeling theory โ societal reactions to individuals and their actions influence the
development of criminal identities
o Social Labels โ individuals may be labeled as criminal based on behavior and this
influences their self-concept and future actions
o Primary deviance โ first rule breaking or criminal behavior that may not lead to a
criminal identity
o Secondary deviance โ repeated criminal behavior that arises as a result of being
labeled and treated as a criminal
โช Amplification of deviance โ individual's continued interaction with the
criminal justice system that escalated and reinforces deviant behavior
โช Stigmatization โ societal labeling and negative perception of an individual,
leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy of continues deviance
โข Shaming theory โ role of shame and public humiliation preventing and controlling
criminal behavior
o Disintegrative shaming โ ostracizing and stigmatizing the offender
o Reintegrative shaming โ encouraging the offender to reintegrate into society
o Stigmatization impact - public's rection to an offender that can discourage or
encourage future criminal behavior
โข Conflict theory โ role of social and economic inequality in creating conditions conductive
to crime
o Social inequality โ crime is a product of social and economic disparities, with
certain groups having more power and resources to define and enforce laws
o Criminal justice as a tool of the powerful โ criminal justice system viewed as to
control and oppress marginalized groups
o Critique of legal definitions โ examines legal definitions of crime may be of
interest to those in power, reinforcing social inequalities
โข Murder- unlawful killing of another person with intent, malice and premeditation
o 1st degree murder - intentional and premeditated killing with malice aforethought
o 2nd degree murder โ intentional killing without premeditating or planning
o Voluntary manslaughter - intentionally killing in the heat of the moment, often
provoked
o Involuntary manslaughter โ unintentional killing, results from recklessness or
criminal negligence