NCJ Number
108160
Editor(s)
R Linden
Date Published
1987
Length
368 pages
Annotation
This introductory criminology text provides an overview of crime, theories that seek to explain it, and patterns of criminal behavior.
Abstract
Part 1 provides background information on the origins and role of law in society, criminal law and legal defenses, sources and limitations of crime data, and correlates of criminal behavior (age, sex, race, and class). The text focuses on law and crime in Canada. Part 2 reviews early classical theories of crime, as well as psychological and biological factors in criminality. Sociological theories also are discussed, including strain, cultural deviance, conflict, interactionist, and social control theories. Part 3 examines the relationship between lifestyle/exposure and routine activities and vulnerability to victimization. Patterns for various conventional crimes, organized crime, political crime, and white-collar and corporate crime also are examined. Chapter tables, figures, notes, summaries, index, and approximately 700 references.