CJ 305 Exam 2 Questions and Answers
Deterrence theory - ANSWER-theory of deviance positing that people will be
prevented from engaging in a deviant act if they judge the costs of such an act to
outweigh its benefits (legal punishment should be swift, certain, and severe)
Swift deterrence - ANSWER-means legal punishment should occur very soon after
the criminal committed the offense
Certain deterrence - ANSWER-there should be a high probability that criminals will
be caught and punished
Severe deterrence - ANSWER-legal punishment should be severe enough that
people will avoid engaging in crime -- but not too severe
Specific deterrence - ANSWER-punishment inflicted on criminals to discourage them
from committing future crimes (personal experience)
General deterrence - ANSWER-punishment intended to be an example to the
general public and to discourage the commission of offenses (indirect experience)
Routine activity theory - ANSWER-crime is more likely when 3 conditions occur
together in space & time (motivated offender, attractive target, and no guardianship)
Social structure theory assumptions: - ANSWER-1. crime is a result of forces outside
of the individual
2. the structure of society influences crime
Social disorganization theory - ANSWER-crime is a result of the conditions of the
neighborhood (not types of people who live there). Crime has a clear geographic
distribution
Structural problems - ANSWER-neighborhood poverty, residential turnover, and
ethnic heterogeneity
Social disorganization - ANSWER-a break down of social ties and informal social
control among neighborhood residents
Classic strain theory - ANSWER-did not see the city as disorganized and
criminogenic; rather, crime was the result of poor people being blocked from
achieving the American Dream due to cultural goals and lack of legitimate means
Cultural goal: - ANSWER-the U.S. places great emphasis on economic success (the
American Dream)
Deterrence theory - ANSWER-theory of deviance positing that people will be
prevented from engaging in a deviant act if they judge the costs of such an act to
outweigh its benefits (legal punishment should be swift, certain, and severe)
Swift deterrence - ANSWER-means legal punishment should occur very soon after
the criminal committed the offense
Certain deterrence - ANSWER-there should be a high probability that criminals will
be caught and punished
Severe deterrence - ANSWER-legal punishment should be severe enough that
people will avoid engaging in crime -- but not too severe
Specific deterrence - ANSWER-punishment inflicted on criminals to discourage them
from committing future crimes (personal experience)
General deterrence - ANSWER-punishment intended to be an example to the
general public and to discourage the commission of offenses (indirect experience)
Routine activity theory - ANSWER-crime is more likely when 3 conditions occur
together in space & time (motivated offender, attractive target, and no guardianship)
Social structure theory assumptions: - ANSWER-1. crime is a result of forces outside
of the individual
2. the structure of society influences crime
Social disorganization theory - ANSWER-crime is a result of the conditions of the
neighborhood (not types of people who live there). Crime has a clear geographic
distribution
Structural problems - ANSWER-neighborhood poverty, residential turnover, and
ethnic heterogeneity
Social disorganization - ANSWER-a break down of social ties and informal social
control among neighborhood residents
Classic strain theory - ANSWER-did not see the city as disorganized and
criminogenic; rather, crime was the result of poor people being blocked from
achieving the American Dream due to cultural goals and lack of legitimate means
Cultural goal: - ANSWER-the U.S. places great emphasis on economic success (the
American Dream)
