Criminal Justice Today

In the text "Criminal Justice Today" according to Schmalleger there are eight common theories that are related to crime, classical and neoclassical, biological, psychobiological, psychological, sociological, social process, conflict and emergent.

There are several theories on why people commit crimes. These theories are: Sociological, social process, conflict, biological, and psychobiological theories. Each of these theories has its own differences. Some say that people who come from violent families are more apt to become violent. The same goes for crime. A person who comes from a criminal family is more likely to then become a criminal themselves. There have also been studies that show biological, or inherited, traits for criminal activity. While some experts contest this type of study, it still continues. "A small cadre of experts is exploring how genes might heighten the risk of committing a crime and whether such a trait can be inherited" says Patricia Cohen (2011). Biological criminology looks deeper into environmental. While these are all nice theories, the majority of society views crime the same. Most people are shown the difference of right and wrong when they are children. Children, however, lead by example which shows a link between children who have criminal families. When people hear the words, rape, murder, and incest, their brains trigger and immediately understand that this is wrong and is a crime. Now, the majority of crimes that people recognize are those of severity. Many people understand the fact that smaller things such as speeding and driving without a license is a crime. These same people, however, do not place that crime on such a level as murder or rape. Society tells us that harsher crimes are felonies. Society has also taught us that small crimes such as speeding can be misdemeanors. Because of this, people are more likely to break the law and commit these acts because they

Criminal Acts and Choice Theory Paper 3

understand that serious consequences probably will not follow. Cohen, Patricia (2011). Genetic Basis for Crime: A New Look, NY Times. Retrieved on October 16, 2011 from electronic source http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/20/arts/genetics-and-crime-at-institute-of-justice-conference.html?pagewanted=all

Theories of Crime

In doing my research on theories of crime, I read that some people believe that poverty plays a big role in the cause of crime. Many others believe that the criminal behavior is a result of negative reactions to human characteristics. In other theories substance abuse and mental health problems are a large part of the responsibility for the criminal offenses as well.

Poverty plays a role by oneself. People tend to believe that criminality is a result of deteriorating communities, the ones with money and education most likely will neglect from areas where people have less money and education. The finger is pointed at the people in the poor community due to the living atmosphere and type of work they do. The research states that poor people are most likely to be criminals then rich people. They feel that they are most likely to be experience jealousy and anger if they don't have what the next person have in life. Some of the criminologists believe that criminals allow their actions be directed by hoe they are feeling at the time of committed the crime. Researchers believe that crime is associated with poor and abnormal upbringing from the parents or guardians. People who are abused, exposed to violence, or affiliated with sociopaths are more likely to become criminals. Criminal activity most likely start from a young age and is carried on through the adolescent life. Children are easily influence

Criminal Acts and Choice Theory Paper 4

and that where it all begins because they feel that if a child sees a crime happen and the person has gotten away with the crime then it nothing will happen to them when they commit the crime as well.

Substance abuse and mental behavior will also play a role in the causation of crime. When a person gets addicted on a certain drug, they will commit any crime in order