CCJ-4614 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Frank Tannenbaum, Labeling Theory, Restorative Justice
6 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
Critical perspectives highlight the ways in which people and institutions respond to crime and criminals. Possible discrimination in the application of official labeling and sanctions. The effect of labeling on continued criminality. Most theories take an absolutist definition of crime and deviance. Interactions with others shape self-conceptions and behavior. A person labeled deviant becomes the thing he is described as being. Official cjs actions have detrimental impact on delinquency. Labeling theory does no focus on the initial act, but on subsequent actions. Problem with decriminalization as primary policy plan. Policy that seeks to restore the social bond b/w the offender and the community. Still too new to determine if it works. Law is key part of the struggle b/w powerful and the powerless. Power use law to control the powerless. Applies to : formation of law and operations of cjs. Social institutions serve the interests of the powerful in society and are dysfunctional for many other members of society.
