Criminology For Dummies

by Briggs, Steven

• ISBN13: 9780470396964
• ISBN10: 0470396962
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-28
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Your thorough guide to comprehending and combating crimeAre you fascinated by criminology, forensics, and detective work? This you-are-there guide takes you deep into the world of crime, giving you a better understanding of the dark recesses of the criminal mind and how law enforcement officials investigate crime. You'll gain real-world knowledge of the reasons for and consequences of crime, the way society responds to it, and, most important, how crime can be prevented.Enter the world of crime - understand what crime is, how it is measured, and the various ways crime affects victims and societyIdentify different types of crime - from white-collar crime to organized crime to terrorism, examine the nature of crime and why certain criminals are attracted to specific crimesKnow who commits crimes, and why - explore different theories that attempt to explain why people commit crimesTake it to the streets - follow law enforcement officials and federal agencies as they chase and apprehend the bad guysSeek justice - meet the key players in the criminal justice system and see why and how the guilty are punishedDeal with juveniles - know the differences between adult and juvenile systems, realize why youths are treated differently, and review modern methods for treatmentOpen the book and find:Common criminal traitsThe causes of violent crimesRecent efforts to secure victims' rightsThe processes used to solve crimesA step-by-step walkthrough of the criminal justice processWays to recognize and fight back against crimeJobs in the criminal justice fieldTen notorious, unsolved crimes

Author Biography

Steven Briggs is a career prosecutor and nationally recognized lecturer on law enforcement and criminal law topics. He has trained many organizations, including the National District Attorneys Association, the National White Collar Crime Center, and the Russian-American Rule of Law Consortium. He is also an adjunct professor of criminal justice.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Defining and Measuring Crime

Entering the World of Crime

What Is Crime?

How Crime Is Measured and Why It Matters

Helping Those in the Wake of Crime: Victims

Identifying Types of Crime

Getting Violent: Crimes of Force

Hitting You in the Pocketbook: Property Crimes

Dressing Sharp and Stealing Big: White-Collar Crimes

A Group Effort: Organized Crime and Gangs

Tackling a Worldwide Problem: The Narcotics Trade

Front-Page News: Terrorism

Figuring Out Who Commits Crimes and Why

What Factors Lead to Crime?

Regarding Crime as a Rational Decision: Rational Choice Theory

Looking at Societys Role in Crime

Can Your Mind or Body Make You a Criminal?

Critical Theory: Theories off the Beaten Path

Fighting Crime

Battling Crime at the Local Level

Tackling Crime at the Federal Level

Solving Crimes: The Process

Prosecuting and Punishing Crime

Seeking Justice: The Players and Their Roles

Finding the Truth: Pleading Guilty or Going to Trial

Punishing the Guilty: Why and How Society Does It

Examining the Juvenile Justice System

The Part of Tens

Ten Jobs to Consider in Criminal Justice

Ten Notorious, Unsolved Crimes

Index

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