copyright © 2006 pearson education canada inc. 1 - 1 chapter 1 canadian criminology its nature and...

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education Canada Inc.1 - 1

Chapter 1 Canadian Criminology

Its nature and structure

“Obviously crime pays, or there'd be no crime.” G. Gordon Liddy

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 1 - 2

Learning Objectives Understand the complexity of both criminology and

crime, particularly within a Canadian context. Differentiate between crime and deviance and

identify other misconceptions about criminology. Understand the role of criminologists, their various

methods of inquiry, and the elements that make up the discipline of criminology.

Recognize the many ways we gain knowledge regarding crime.

Appreciate the impact of the social sciences on the development of criminology and recognize the necessity for an integrated and interdisciplinary approach.


“when there is crime in society there is no justice” Plato

Scientific study of crime, criminals, victims, criminal behaviour AND its systems

What is a …… Criminal Crime vs. Offence vs. Deviance Criminologist Victim


What constitutes a crime?

Summary, indictable, and hybrid

Conventional and Non-conventional

Crime vs. offence


What constitutes a crime?

Consensus Behaviours where high agreement as to

the social harm AND strong support to sanction & control such behaviour

Non-consensus Disagreement as to social harm AND

varying support, low support concerning sanction & control


The notion of deviance

Encompasses wide spectrum of conduct that, to varying degrees, may be considered offensive (by whom?)

Actions that depart from social norms – actions may or may not be against the law

Perceptions of crime not constant, attitudes vary, social processes define it


Who or what is a victim?

Criminal act committed against / on / to a person / group / agency….

A label, socially prescribed – can’t exist without a law / crime

Possible to be victimised by offender, CJS, the state, the media…


Setting the stage…

Has crime increased? Who commits the most crime? Does capital punishment work? Most serious crimes today? Can we control crime?


A call for Canadian Criminology

Crime is universal… so! Differences that count

Minorities, law enforcement, sentencing, culture, politics, etc.

Significant theoretical & practical contributions


The Evolving Face of Crime and Criminology

Initial interest punishment and treatment Secondary evolution of the study of penology Shift from legal reforms to scientifically-

oriented approach Reformers (C. Becarria & J. Bentham)

“The subject matter of criminology has been ‘blurred’ by shifts of both meaning and focus”

N. Walker ‘87


What do Criminologist do?

Interdisciplinary, multi-faceted Involves sub areas

1. criminal statistics2. sociology of law3. theory construction etiology4. typology of criminal behaviour5. 3 Ps – policing, prosecution and protection 6. Victimology


The Diversity of Criminology

Sociology: social structure, social process, to social organization

Psychology: science of individual behaviour, internal dynamics

Biology: chemical, genetic, and/or neurological influences


The Diversity of Criminology

Economics: “money the root of all evil”?

Geography/Environment: crime influenced by physical & environmental factors

Political science: the importance of social policy


Integrated and Interdisciplinary approach

“paradigm shift” from uni-discipline to multi- or inter-disciplinary perspectives

Integration of social sciences

Bridges specific and general aspects of crime


“Every man is guilty of all the good he didn’t do” - Voltaire

Criminology = bridging theory & policy Social and political challenges BUT… serious ethical issues

Punish or treat A crime or deviant act Who decides?

What do you think? Box 1.10


Summary

Crime is a global issue Canada has its own unique concerns Criminology burgeoning in Canada Discipline rapidly evolving in a

systematic and objective fashion Criminology an applied science that

resembles a living organism

copyright © 2006 pearson education canada inc. 1 - 1 chapter 1 canadian criminology its nature and...

Documents