CMY1501
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY
STUDY NOTES
This st udy g uide inclu des the following:
A Criminology “ Dictionary ” with importa nt terminology
Summaries of all 4 themes for CMY1501
Questions and Answers
,CRIMINOLGY “ DICT IONARY ”
A
Actus Reus
The physical act of committing a crime.
Age-Crime Curve
The relationship between age and crime, showing crime peaks during youth.
Anomie
A condition where societal norms are weakened, leading to deviant behaviour.
Applied Criminology
The practical use of criminological knowledge to prevent crime.
B
Biological Theories
Theories explaining crime based on genetics, hormones or physical traits.
Broken Home
Family structure disruption considered a risk factor for criminal behaviour.
C
Classical School of Criminology
Theory stating individuals have free will and commit crime based on rational choice.
Commercial Crime
Financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.
,Community -Based Policing
Policing strategy involving cooperation between police and community.
Conflict Theory
Theory that crime results from inequality and power differences.
Correctional Services
Government department responsible for imprisonment and rehabilitation.
Crime
An act that violates the law and is punishable by the state.
Crime Categories
Different types of crime used for classification purposes.
Crime Control
Measures taken to reduce crime levels.
Crime Pattern
Recurring trend in criminal activity.
Crime Prevention
Strategies designed to stop crime before it occurs.
Crime Trend
Increase or decrease in crime over time.
Criminal Behaviour
Actions that violate criminal law.
Criminologist
A person who studies crime scientifically.
Criminology
The scientific study of crime, criminals and victims.
, D
Dark Figure of Crime
Crimes that are not reported to police.
Deviance
Behaviour that violates social norms.
Deterrence
Preventing crime through punishment.
E
Expressive Crime
Crime committed due to emotion such as anger.
Expert Witness
Criminologist who provides evidence in court.
F
Feminist Criminology
Study of crime focusing on gender inequality.
Free Will
Ability to choose between crime and lawful behaviour.
G
General Theory of Crime
Theory linking crime to low self -control.
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY
STUDY NOTES
This st udy g uide inclu des the following:
A Criminology “ Dictionary ” with importa nt terminology
Summaries of all 4 themes for CMY1501
Questions and Answers
,CRIMINOLGY “ DICT IONARY ”
A
Actus Reus
The physical act of committing a crime.
Age-Crime Curve
The relationship between age and crime, showing crime peaks during youth.
Anomie
A condition where societal norms are weakened, leading to deviant behaviour.
Applied Criminology
The practical use of criminological knowledge to prevent crime.
B
Biological Theories
Theories explaining crime based on genetics, hormones or physical traits.
Broken Home
Family structure disruption considered a risk factor for criminal behaviour.
C
Classical School of Criminology
Theory stating individuals have free will and commit crime based on rational choice.
Commercial Crime
Financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.
,Community -Based Policing
Policing strategy involving cooperation between police and community.
Conflict Theory
Theory that crime results from inequality and power differences.
Correctional Services
Government department responsible for imprisonment and rehabilitation.
Crime
An act that violates the law and is punishable by the state.
Crime Categories
Different types of crime used for classification purposes.
Crime Control
Measures taken to reduce crime levels.
Crime Pattern
Recurring trend in criminal activity.
Crime Prevention
Strategies designed to stop crime before it occurs.
Crime Trend
Increase or decrease in crime over time.
Criminal Behaviour
Actions that violate criminal law.
Criminologist
A person who studies crime scientifically.
Criminology
The scientific study of crime, criminals and victims.
, D
Dark Figure of Crime
Crimes that are not reported to police.
Deviance
Behaviour that violates social norms.
Deterrence
Preventing crime through punishment.
E
Expressive Crime
Crime committed due to emotion such as anger.
Expert Witness
Criminologist who provides evidence in court.
F
Feminist Criminology
Study of crime focusing on gender inequality.
Free Will
Ability to choose between crime and lawful behaviour.
G
General Theory of Crime
Theory linking crime to low self -control.
