Reconceiving Some Confounding Domains of Criminology: Issues of Terminology, Theory, and Practice (From Facts, Frameworks, and Forecasts: Advances in Criminological Theory, V 3, P 23-46, 1992, Joan McCord, ed. -- See NCJ 136081)

• NCJ Number: 136083
• Author(s): D Glaser
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 24 pages
• Sale Source: Transaction Publishers
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

So as to redirect both criminological research and criminal justice administration to achieve more effective crime prevention, this paper suggests alternative conceptual distinctions, terminology, and definitions.

Abstract

"Crime" is broadly defined as "any behavior lawfully punishable by a government," and "delinquency" is "any crime committed by a person of a legally specified juvenile age, usually under eighteen, plus a variety of other conduct by these persons, such as their truancy from home or school, that legislators and judges deem conducive to crime." "Criminality" is defined as "an attitude favorable to committing crimes, identified confidently only by a person's criminal behavior, although also inferred from other indications of willingness to engage in offenses when safe opportunities to do so are perceived." Five patterns of criminality are identified. They are "ideal" types in that, although often not found in pure form, they help to explain elements of particular offenses. The five types discussed are "adolescence-transition criminality," "vice-propelled criminality," "professional criminality," "legitimate-occupation criminality," and "passion-driven criminality." The discussion of "primary," "secondary," and "tertiary" crime prevention integrates the author's broad experience in the criminal justice system with a review of crime-causes theory. 54 references