DOCSLIB.ORG

UNIT 9 CRIMINOLOGY THEORIES Criminological Theories

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

UNIT 9 CRIMINOLOGY THEORIES Criminological Theories Structure 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Objectives 9.3 The Study of Criminology 9.4 What is Criminology? 9.5 Brief History of Criminology 9.6 Classical School of Criminology 9.6.1 Pre Classical School 9.6.2 Classical School of Criminology 9.6.3 Neo Classical School 9.7 Positive School of Criminology 9.8 Ecological School of Criminology 9.9 Theories Related to Physical Appearance 9.9.1 Phsiognomy and Phrenology 9.9.2 Criminal Anthropology: Lombroso to Goring 9.9.3 Body Type Theories: Sheldon to Cortes 9.10 Biological Factors and Criminal Behaviour 9.10.1 Chromosomes and Crime 9.10.2 Family Studies 9.10.3 Twin and Adoption Studies 9.10.4 Neurotransmitters 9.10.5 Hormones 9.10.6 The Autonomic Nervous System 9.11 Psychoanalytical Theories of Crime 9.11.1 Psychanalytic Explanations of Criminal Behaviour 9.12 Sociological Theories of Criminal Behaviour 9.12.1 Durkhiem, Anomie and Modernisation 9.12.2 Merton’s Strain Theory 9.12.3 Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory 9.13 Critical Criminology 9.13.1 Marxim and Marxist Criminology 9.14 Control Theories 9.14.1 Drift and Neutralisation 9.14.2 Hirschi’s Social Control 9.14.3 Containment Theory 9.14.4 Labeling Theory 9.15 Conflict Theories 9.15.1 Sellin’s Culture Conflict Theory 9.15.2 Vold’s Group Conflict Theory 9.15.3 Quinney’s Theory of the Social Reality of Crime 9.15.4 Turk’s Theory of Criminalisation 9.15.5 Chambliss and Seidman’s Analysis of the Criminal Justice System 5 Theories and Perspectives 9.16 Summary in Criminal Justice 9.17 Terminal Questions 9.18 Answers and Hints 9.19 References and Suggested Readings 9.1 INTRODUCTION Criminology is the scientific approach towards studying criminal behaviour. It is an interdisciplinary science which includes sociology, psychology, biology political science etc. There are different school of criminology like classical school, positive school, ecological school etc. One of the oldest scientific approaches in criminology theory emphasizes physical and biological abnormality as the prominent mark of the criminal. Sigmund Freud coined the term psycholoanalysis in 1896 and based an entire theory of human behaviour on it. Later Ernest Jones delineated seven major principles of Freud’s approach within the psychoanalytic perspective criminal and delinquent behaviours are attributed to disturbances or malfuctions in the ego or superego. Then there was sociological theory of criminology whose main propounde was Durkheim. Apart from these, there is Control Theories and Conflict Theories of Criminology. 9.2 OBJECTIVES After reading this unit, you should be able to: • understand the crime and criminology; • known various theoretical explanations of criminality; and • discuss the dynamic interrelatedness in the formation and manifestation of criminal and delinquent behaviour and various socio-cultural factors and processes. 9.3 THE STUDY OF CRIMINOLOGY Concern about crime and the need to develop effective measures to control criminal behaviour have spurred the development of Criminology as an academic discipline. This discipline is devoted to developing valid and reliable information that addresses the causes of crime as well as crime patterns and trends and control of crime. Criminologists use scientific methods to study the nature, extent, cause, and control of criminal behaviour. Unlike media commentators, whose opinions about crime can be coloured by personal experiences, biases, and values, criminologists remain objective as they study crime and its consequences. The field of criminology has gained prominence as an academic area of study due to the constant threat of crime and the social problems it represents. 9.4 WHAT IS CRIMINOLOGY? Paul Topinard, a French Anthropologist is said to have coined the termed ‘criminology’ in 1889 to differentiate the study of criminal body types within the field of anthropology from other biometric pursuits. The word crime comes from the Latin, meaning “accusation”, “charge” or “guilt” and logy means “ the study of something”. Hence the term Criminology literally means “the study of crime”. 6 Criminology is the scientific approach to studying criminal behaviour. Sutherland Criminological Theories and Cressey state “Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the process of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting toward the breaking of laws…” The objective of criminology is the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding this process of law, crime and treatment. Sutherland suggested that criminology consists of three “principal divisions” 1) The sociology of law 2) Scientific analysis of the causes of crime, and 3) Crime control Criminology is an interdisciplinary science which includes sociology, psychology, psychiatry, biology, political science, social work, law, economics etc. Self Assessment Question 1) What do you understand by the term criminology? ................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................ 9.5 BRIEF HISTORY OF CRIMINOLOGY During the middle ages (1200-1600), superstition and fear of satanic possession dominated thinking. People who violated social norms or religious practices were believed to be witches or possessed by demons. The witch doctor or medicine man or shaman became the interpreter of supernatural happenings. The prescribed method for dealing with the possessed was burning at the stake, Cruel torture to extract confessions was in use and those convicted of violent or theft crimes suffered extremely harsh penalties, including whipping, branding, maiming, and execution, putting mask and dancing around the deviant victim, concoct a nauseous potion made up of saliva, fingernails, feces, pimple pus, urine, nose picking, hair and other obnoxious items and make the patent eat it, thereby making his or he body intolerable for the demons. On occasions “a sacrifice to the gods was made of a baby, a young virgin, a son or other persons in order to keep the tribe on good terms with god and spirits”. This practice survived till 17th Century. This was the spiritual explanation of crime and punishment. The early Phoenicians and Greeks developed naturalistic explanations of crime far back. Hippocrates provided a physiological explanation of thinking by arguing that the brain is the organ of the mind. Plato said that the individual’s soul has three elements i.e. reasons, desire and spirit. The spirit being the agent used by reasons to overcome passion/desire. The lower part of irrational soul was located in the body below the diaphragm and rational soul which is a better part located in the heart and in mental faculties. Aristotle said that body and soul are different. Man is good by nature but when he fails to follow the reasons, sin results. 7 Theories and Perspectives Thomas Hobbes concluded that all phenomenons were subjected to scientific in Criminal Justice laws including human behaviour. According to Rene Descartes “natural laws governed not only events external to man but event occurring within him, so free will becomes more important than divine law in crime causation”. 9.6 CLASSICAL SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY 9.6.1 Pre Classical School The formalising of this concept into “crime” probably had its early beginnings in the formalisation of court procedure at the Assize of Clarendon called by Henry II in 1166 A.D. when the jury system was structured essentially as it remains today. The construction of jails was approved, and the beginnings of classification of crimes as felonies and misdemeanors appeared. In 1215, King John under compulsion from his barons issued the Magna Carta as a symbol of a general movement toward civil and constitutional rights. 9.6.2 Classical School of Criminology Reasons behind the emergence of classical school of criminology:- 1) Just as Greek, Latin were first to communicate adequately in modern abstract thinking, similarly, this school of thought was the first relative adequate form or system of thinking in the area of criminology. 2) There may be many inconsistencies in the existing practices at that time. 3) Judges could introduce personal biases. 4) That’s why harsh punishments rather than equitable justice. Criminology emerged in 1764 in “Essay on Crime and Punishments” “Dei delitti e delle pene” by Beccaria. The motto was “Let the punishment fit from crime”. Man is hedonistic- seeking pleasure and avoids pain and had sufficient free will to choose between good and evil, when he knew what the consequences might be. Focus of the classical school was on crime and adopted legal approach. Self Assessment Question 2) Explain the reasons behind the emergence of classical school of criminology. ................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................ ...............................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • An Examination of the Impact of Criminological Theory on Community Corrections Practice

    An Examination of the Impact of Criminological Theory on Community Corrections Practice

    December 2016 15 An Examination of the Impact of Criminological Theory on Community Corrections Practice James Byrne University of Massachusetts Lowell Don Hummer Penn State Harrisburg CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES ABOUT parole officers in terms of practical advice; to other community corrections programs are to why people commit crime are used—and mis- the contrary, we think a discussion of “cause” is be successful as “people changing” agencies. used—every day by legislative policy makers critical to the ongoing debate over the appro- But can we reasonably expect such diversity and community corrections managers when priate use of community-based sanctions, and flexibility from community corrections they develop new initiatives, sanctions, and and the development of effective community agencies, or is it more likely that one theory— programs; and these theories are also being corrections policies, practices, and programs. or group of theories—will be the dominant applied—and misapplied—by line commu­ However, the degree of uncertainty on the influence on community corrections practice? nity corrections officers in the workplace as cause—or causes—of our crime problem in Based on recent reviews of United States cor­ they classify, supervise, counsel, and con­ the academic community suggests that a rections history, we suspect that one group of trol offenders placed on their caseloads. The certain degree of skepticism is certainly in theories—supported by a dominant political purpose of this article is to provide a brief order when “new” crime control strategies are ideology—will continue to dominate until overview of the major theories of crime causa­ introduced. We need to look carefully at the the challenges to its efficacy move the field— tion and then to consider the implications of theory of crime causation on which these new both ideologically and theoretically—in a new these criminological theories for current and initiatives are based.
  • The Growth of Criminological Theories

    The Growth of Criminological Theories

    THE GROWTH OF CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES Jonathon M. Heidt B.A., University of Montana, 2000 THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS In the School of Criminology OJonathon M. Heidt 2003 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY November 2003 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without permission of the author. APPROVAL Name: Jonathon Heidt Degree: M.A. Title of Thesis: The Growth of Criminological Theories Examining Committee: Chair: ~ridnkurtch,P~JJ$ . D;. Robert ~ordoi,kh.~. Senior Supervisor Dr. Elizabeth Elliott, Ph.D. Member Sociology Department University at Albany - SUNY Date Approved: PARTIAL COPYRIGHT LICENCE I hereby grant to Simon Fraser University the right to lend my thesis, project or extended essay (the title of which is shown below) to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users. I further agree that permission for multiple copying of this work for scholarly purposes may be granted by me or the Dean of Graduate Studies. It is understood that copying or publication of this work for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. Title of Thesis/Project/Extended Essay The Growth of Criminological Theories Author: Name ABSTRACT In the last 50 years, an extensive array of theories has appeared within the field of criminology, many generated by the discipline of sociology.
  • Introduction to Criminology

    Introduction to Criminology

    PART 1 © Nevarpp/iStockphoto/Getty Images Introduction to Criminology CHAPTER 1 Crime and Criminology. 3 CHAPTER 2 The Incidence of Crime . 35 1 © Tithi Luadthong/Shutterstock CHAPTER 1 Crime and Criminology Crime and the fear of crime have permeated the fabric of American life. —Warren E. Burger, Chief Justice, U.S. Supreme Court1 Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd. —Bertrand Russell2 OBJECTIVES • Define criminology, and understand how this field of study relates to other social science disciplines. Pg. 4 • Understand the meaning of scientific theory and its relationship to research and policy. Pg. 8 • Recognize how the media shape public perceptions of crime. Pg. 19 • Know the criteria for establishing causation, and identify the attributes of good research. Pg. 13 • Understand the politics of criminology and the importance of social context. Pg. 18 • Define criminal law, and understand the conflict and consensus perspectives on the law. Pg. 5 • Describe the various schools of criminological theory and the explanations that they provide. Pg. 9 of the public’s concern about the safety of their com- Introduction munities, crime is a perennial political issue that can- Crime is a social phenomenon that commands the didates for political office are compelled to address. attention and energy of the American public. When Dealing with crime commands a substantial por- crime statistics are announced or a particular crime tion of the country’s tax dollars. Criminal justice sys- goes viral, the public demands that “something be tem operations (police, courts, prisons) cost American done.” American citizens are concerned about their taxpayers over $270 billion annually.
  • Sociological Theories of Deviance: Definitions & Considerations

    Sociological Theories of Deviance: Definitions & Considerations

    Sociological Theories of Deviance: Definitions & Considerations NCSS Strands: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions Time, Continuity, and Change Grade level: 9-12 Class periods needed: 1.5- 50 minute periods Purpose, Background, and Context Sociologists seek to understand how and why deviance occurs within a society. They do this by developing theories that explain factors impacting deviance on a wide scale such as social frustrations, socialization, social learning, and the impact of labeling. Four main theories have developed in the last 50 years. Anomie: Deviance is caused by anomie, or the feeling that society’s goals or the means to achieve them are closed to the person Control: Deviance exists because of improper socialization, which results in a lack of self-control for the person Differential association: People learn deviance from associating with others who act in deviant ways Labeling: Deviant behavior depends on who is defining it, and the people in our society who define deviance are usually those in positions of power Students will participate in a “jigsaw” where they will become knowledgeable in one theory and then share their knowledge with the rest of the class. After all theories have been presented, the class will use the theories to explain an historic example of socially deviant behavior: Zoot Suit Riots. Objectives & Student Outcomes Students will: Be able to define the concepts of social norms and deviance 1 Brainstorm behaviors that fit along a continuum from informal to formal deviance Learn four sociological theories of deviance by reading, listening, constructing hypotheticals, and questioning classmates Apply theories of deviance to Zoot Suit Riots that occurred in the 1943 Examine the role of social norms for individuals, groups, and institutions and how they are reinforced to maintain a order within a society; examine disorder/deviance within a society (NCSS Standards, p.
  • A Retrospective View of Critical Legal Studies and Radical Criminology Albert P

    A Retrospective View of Critical Legal Studies and Radical Criminology Albert P

    Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume 84 Article 3 Issue 3 Fall Fall 1993 Radicalism in Law and Criminology: A Retrospective View of Critical Legal Studies and Radical Criminology Albert P. Cardarelli Stephen C. Hicks Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/jclc Part of the Criminal Law Commons, Criminology Commons, and the Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons Recommended Citation Albert P. Cardarelli, Stephen C. Hicks, Radicalism in Law and Criminology: A Retrospective View of Critical Legal Studies and Radical Criminology, 84 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 502 (Fall 1993) This Criminology is brought to you for free and open access by Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology by an authorized editor of Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. 009 1-4169/93/8403-0502 THE JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL LAW & CRIMINOLOGY Vol. 84, No. 3 Copyright © 1993 by Northwestern University, School of Law Printedin U.S.A. CRIMINOLOGY RADICALISM IN LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY: A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OF CRITICAL LEGAL STUDIES AND RADICAL CRIMINOLOGY ALBERT P. CARDARELLI* & STEPHEN C. HICKS** I. INTRODUCTION: HISTORY AS A PRELUDE As the end of the century approaches, there is a growing senti- ment that we may be witnessing the end of the "Left" as a major ideological force in American society.' The reasons for the pur- ported demise, especially in American politics, are not always in agreement, even among leftist scholars themselves. 2 One explana- tion posits that the fall from power began with the ascendancy of the "Right" in national politics with the election of Ronald Reagan, and was accelerated by the collapse of communist governments through- * Senior Fellow, John W.
  • Social Structure, Culture, and Crime: Assessing Kornhauser’S Challenge to Criminology1

    Social Structure, Culture, and Crime: Assessing Kornhauser’S Challenge to Criminology1

    6 Social Structure, Culture, and Crime: Assessing Kornhauser’s Challenge to Criminology1 Ross L. Matsueda Ruth Kornhauser’s (1978) Social Sources of Delinquency has had a lasting infl uence on criminological theory and research. This infl uence consists of three contributions. First, Kornhauser (1978) developed a typology of criminological theories—using labels social disorganization, control, strain, and cultural devi- ance theories—that persists today. She distinguished perspectives by assump- tions about social order, motivation, determinism, and level of explanation, as well as by implications for causal models of delinquency. Second, Kornhauser addressed fundamental sociological concepts, including social structure, culture, and social situations, and provided a critical evaluation of their use within differ- ent theoretical perspectives. Third, she helped foster a resurgence of interest in social control and social disorganization theories of crime (e.g., Gottfredson and Hirschi 1990; Hirschi 1969; Sampson and Laub 1993; Bursik and Webb 1982; Kubrin and Weitzer 2003; Sampson and Groves 1989), both indirectly via the infl uence of an early version of the manuscript that would become Social Sources (see Chapter 3 in this volume) on Hirschi’s (1969) Causes of Delinquency , and directly via the infl uence of her book on the revitalization of social disorgani- zation theories of crime. Kornhauser’s infl uence on the writings of Hirschi, Bursik, and Sampson was particularly signifi cant and positive, as control and disorganization theo- ries came to dominate the discipline, stimulating a large body of research that increased our understanding of conventional institutional control of crime and delinquency through community organization, family life, and school effects.
  • Crime Theory Tweets 140 Character Summaries of Popular Criminological Theories Justin W

    Crime Theory Tweets 140 Character Summaries of Popular Criminological Theories Justin W

    Crime Theory Tweets 140 Character Summaries of Popular Criminological Theories Justin W. Patchin, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (CRMJ 301) Theory Main Theorist(s) Summary Classical school of Beccaria Crime is inherently rewarding. People offend based on a free will choice. To prevent, criminology must punish so potential benefit not worth it. Positivist school of Lombroso Born criminals. Crime caused by something beyond person’s control (usually biological criminology or psychological). Social disorganization Park & Burgess; Shaw & High mobility areas result in inability of neighbors to organize in defense of common McKay; Sampson values. Physical disorder symbols of social breakdown. Broken Windows Wilson and Kelling Criminal behavior thrives in areas where residents are apathetic toward their environment and neighbors (absence of collective efficacy). General theory of crime Gottfredson & Hirschi Crime & deviance a result of low self-control. One’s level of self-control stabile at age 8. Opportunity also important. Social bonding theory Hirschi Our bond (attachment, commitment, involvement, belief) to parents & others restrains our innate desire to engage in deviance. Strain theory Merton Pursuit of American Dream (wealth accumulation) is main cause of crime. Some will do (classic/anomie) whatever is necessary to acquire $$$. Strain theory Cloward & Ohlin Illegitimate means to achieve wealth are also inaccessible to some. Perception is that joining a gang increases opportunities. Strain theory Cohen Some youth are unable to achieve middle-class standards so they supplant legit pursuits with desire to achieve status/respect among peers. General strain theory Agnew Strain plus negative affect equals crime. 3 sources: inability to achieve; something valued removed; something painful introduced.
  • Readings for Graduate Criminology Comprehensive Exam

    Readings for Graduate Criminology Comprehensive Exam

    READINGS FOR GRADUATE CRIMINOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE EXAM The following subdivisions are simply meant to be a heuristic device. They are not necessarily mutually exclusive or exhaustive. Note: Students are responsible for the last 5 years of articles in scholarly journals related to the area including Criminology, Criminology and Public Policy, and related papers published in the American Sociological Review, the American Journal of Sociology, and Social Forces and all other top journals. Social Disorganization and the Chicago School Bursik, R.J. 1988. "Social Disorganization theories of crime and delinquency: Problems and Prospects." Criminology 26:519-552. Morenoff, J., R. Sampson and S. Raudenbush. 2001. “Neighborhood inequality, collective efficacy, and the spatial dynamics of urban violence.” Criminology 39 (3): 517-559. Park, Robert E. 1915. “The City: Suggestions for the Investigation of Human Behavior in the City Environment. American Journal of Sociology 20: 577-612. Rose, D. and T. Clear. 1998. "Incarceration, social capital and crime: implications for social disorganization theory." Criminology 36:441-479. Sampson, R. 2012. The Great American City: Chicago and the Enduring Neighborhood Effect. University of Chicago Press. Sampson, R., S.W. Raudenbush and F. Earls. 1997."Neighborhoods and violent crime: A multilevel study of collective efficacy." Science 277: 918-924. Sampson, R., and Groves, W.B. (1989). “Community Structure and Crime: Testing Social- Disorganization Theory.” American Journal of Sociology 94 (4): 774-802. Shaw, Clifford R., and Henry D. McKay. 1942. Juvenile Delinquency in Urban Areas. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Differential Association and Social Learning Theories Akers, R. L. 1998. Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance.
  • Marxist, Conflict, and Feminist 95

    Marxist, Conflict, and Feminist 95

    CHAPTER 6 CriticalCritical Theories:Theories: Marxist,Marxist, Conflict,Conflict, andand FeministFeminist At the heart of the theories in this chapter is social stratification by class and power, and they are the most “politicized” of all criminological theories. Sanyika Shakur, aka Kody Scott, came to embrace this critical and politicized view of society as he grew older and converted to Afrocentric Islam. Shakur was very much a member of the class Karl Marx called the “lumpenproletariat” (a German word meaning “rag proletariat”), which is the very bottom of the class hierarchy. Many critical theorists would view Shakur’s criminality as justifiable rebellion against class and racial exploitation. Shakur wanted all the material rewards of American capitalism, but he perceived that the only way he could get them was through crime. He was a total egoist, but many Marxists would excuse this as a trait that is nourished by capitalism, the “root cause” of crime. From his earliest days, he was on the fringes of a society he clearly disdained. He frequently referred to whites as “Americans” to emphasize his distance from them, and he referred to black cops as “Negroes” to distinguish them from the “New African Man.” He called himself a “student of revolutionary science” and “rebellion,” and advocated a separate black nation in America. Conflict concepts dominated Shakur’s life as he battled the Bloods as well as other Crips “subsets” whose interests were at odds with his set. It is easy to imagine his violent acts as the outlets of a desperate man struggling against feelings of class and race inferiority.
  • Labeling Theory

    Labeling Theory

    Sociology Virtual Learning High School/Lesson 33 Symbolic Interactionism & Deviance May 5, 2020 Sociology Lesson: May 6, 2020 Objective/Learning Target: The student will understand the symbolic interactionism theory of deviance. Warm Up: Review: Think back to when we learned about culture. Is culture inherited or learned? What do sociologists say? Warm Up: Is culture inherited or learned? What do sociologists say? Culture is learned. If culture is learned, is deviance learned? Warm Up: Is culture inherited or learned? What do sociologists say? Culture is learned. If culture is learned, is deviance learned? Sociologists believe that deviance is a learned behavior that is culturally transmitted. Lesson/Activity Introduction: Think back to the very beginning of the semester when we learned about the three main perspectives in Sociology. If you need to review, click here. According to Symbolic Interactionism , deviance is transmitted through socialization in the same way that deviant behavior is learned. For example, an early study revealed that delinquent behavior can be transmitted through play groups & gangs. Today, you will learn about two theories that explain how deviant behavior is learned: Differential Association & Labeling Theory. Both are based on Symbolic Interactionism. Lesson/Activity: How is deviance learned? Differential association theory states that individuals learn deviance in proportion to the number of deviant acts they are exposed to. According to this theory, the more people are exposed to people who break the law, the more apt they are to become criminals. There are three characteristics that affect differential association: 1.The ratio of deviant to nondeviant individuals. A person who knows mostly deviants is more likely to learn deviant behavior.
  • Informing the Fraud Triangle: Insights from Differential Association Theory

    Informing the Fraud Triangle: Insights from Differential Association Theory

    Informing the Fraud Triangle: Insights from Differential Association Theory Mark Lokanan Ph.D Keywords: Fraud triangle; Differential Association Theory; Accounting; Sub-culture Abstract: The fraud triangle (FT) has been criticized by scholars and practitioners for not being thorough enough to include every occurrence of fraud. However, not every case of fraud can follow the FT and the problem might have been one of interpretation. The purpose of this paper is to lend support to the fraud triangle (FT) by expanding on the understanding of differential 1 association theory (DAT). Sutherland’s work on DAT is a major source to inform our understanding of the FT. The return to his work is intended as a clarification of what Sutherland actually says with respect to the FT and a critical assessment of how far his work can be regarded as being authoritative. To accomplish this task, the paper provides anecdotal evidence from three high-profile accounting fraud cases – Livent, WorldCom, and Enron. The findings reveal that the concepts and propositions of DAT do have the potential to expand our understanding of the FT concepts. DAT seeks to explain the content and process of corporate accounting fraud via sub- culture and specific techniques in which criminal behaviour is learned. Practically, the paper contributes to a wider body of literature that expounds on the value to further develop fraud theories to inform fraud detection and prevention. Introduction During the last two decades, the world was shocked by a series of high profile accounting frauds that sent the accounting profession into turmoil (Clikeman, 2009; Lokanan, 2015).
  • Why Do Criminals Obey the Law? the Nfluei Nce of Legitimacy and Social Networks on Active Gun Offenders Andrew V

    Why Do Criminals Obey the Law? the Nfluei Nce of Legitimacy and Social Networks on Active Gun Offenders Andrew V

    Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume 102 | Issue 2 Article 3 Spring 2012 Why Do Criminals Obey the Law? The nflueI nce of Legitimacy and Social Networks on Active Gun Offenders Andrew V. Papachristos Tracy L. Meares Jeffrey Fagan Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/jclc Part of the Criminal Law Commons Recommended Citation Andrew V. Papachristos, Tracy L. Meares, and Jeffrey Fagan, Why Do Criminals Obey the Law? The Influence of Legitimacy and Social Networks on Active Gun Offenders, 102 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 397 (2013). https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/jclc/vol102/iss2/3 This Criminology is brought to you for free and open access by Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology by an authorized editor of Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. 0091-4169/12/10202-0397 THE JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL LAW & CRIMINOLOGY Vol. 102, No. 2 Copyright © 2012 by Northwestern University School of Law Printed in U.S.A. CRIMINOLOGY WHY DO CRIMINALS OBEY THE LAW? THE INFLUENCE OF LEGITIMACY AND SOCIAL NETWORKS ON ACTIVE GUN OFFENDERS* ANDREW V. PAPACHRISTOS,** TRACEY L. MEARES*** & JEFFREY FAGAN**** Research on procedural justice and legitimacy suggests that compliance with the law is best secured not by mere threat of force, but by fostering beliefs in the fairness of the legal systems and in the legitimacy of legal actors. To date, however, this research has been based on general population surveys and more banal types of law-violating behavior (such as unpaid parking tickets, excessive noise, etc.).