Concepts of Viewing Crime

Perspectives on viewing Crime

Jill L Robbins

6/10/2012

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The discussion will be about perspectives of viewing crime. What is crime? The definition of crime is any conduct in violation of the criminal laws of a state, the federal government, or a local jurisdiction, for which there is no legally acceptable justification or excuse. (Schmalleger) Crime is a factor that we live with on a daily basis. Crime is evident in the most affluent neighborhoods. Professional criminologists usually base their thoughts and perspectives on one of several theories that describe, in their own way, what exactly constitute and contribute to criminal behavior. Each theory has their own view as to what causes people within society to engage in criminal activities. A criminologist's choice regarding their theory preference ultimately depends upon their personal definition of crime. (McGrath) There are primarily three perspectives for viewing crime. They are the Consensus view of crime, Conflict view of crime, and Interactionist views of crime. I will discuss these three perspectives in more detail.

The Consensus View of Crime holds that crimes are simply behaviors that are believed to be 'repugnant' of various, if not all, elements linked to society. (McGrath) The consensus model assumes that each of the component parts of the criminal justice system strives toward a common goal and that the movement of cases and people through the system is smooth due to cooperation between the various components of the system. (Schmalleger) The Consensus model is supposed to be the white horse but there are glitches that are sometimes beyond the control of anyone. When one part of the process is delayed such as paperwork, charges, representation, and/or judges if affects the whole system. I am a victim of a sexual battery and it really applauds me the amount of time that it had taken for even the arraignment. I was drug through the system over and over again. This bothers me deeply because I was almost to the point of don't worry about it and I know that many people feel the say way. In retrospect the situation was rectified and the criminal was sent through the process. The system does work it just all the in between that sometimes hinders due process.

The Conflict View of Crime holds that criminal law reflects as well as protects the economic, gendered, racial and political prestige and power that has been established. The Conflict View of Crime presents society as a complex collection of diverse groups, whether they be students, teachers, workers or owners, who are continually and constantly in conflict. Groups that are able to use their political power, often use the criminal justice system and the law