SOC205H5 Lecture Notes - Remote Shell, United States Constitution, Institute For Operations Research And The Management Sciences
Document Summary
Crime in a complex phenomenon and is a difficult topic systematically study. Crime commentary often exaggerates and sensationalizes the problem. Based on rsh and evidence that informs a theory. Theories often have limitations that can"t always explain crime. Theories reflect the social, economic, political and historical contexts in which they emerge. As theories change so do criminal justice policies. Zero tolerance policies, tough on crime policies, homosexuality. Tended to locate the cause of crime within individuals in their souls, wills or their body constitution. Stressed the conflict btw absolute good and evil: ppl who committed crimes were thought to be possessed by evil spirits (referred to as sinful demons) When penitentiaries were constructed they were thought of places for penitents who were sorry for their sins. Submit criminals to camps to repent for their sins. The major problem with spiritualistic explanation is that they cannot be tested scientifically or validated empirically.
