NCJ Number
158498
Date Published
1996
Length
552 pages
Annotation
This textbook discusses theory and research findings regarding the nature and diversity of the crime problem today, crime causes theories, current trends and issues related to crime, and Federal anticrime initiatives and other social policies in response to crime.
Abstract
Individual chapters focus on the nature of criminology; the history and role of crime statistics; research methods and theory development in criminology; and classical, biological, psychological, sociological and social process perspectives on crime causes. Current political perspectives on crime are also examined, including law and social order perspectives, radical and critical criminology, and issues related to terrorism. Further chapters focus on white collar crime, organized crime, drug abuse, drug law offenses, computer-related crime, past anticrime initiatives, and recent Federal policy initiatives such as the Brady Law on gun control and three-strikes legislation. The final chapter considers future directions in criminology, including future crimes and policies, as well as rational choice theory, feminist theory, peacemaking criminology, realist criminology, and theory integration. Figures, photographs, discussion questions, chapter reference notes, glossary, and index