Criminology Today : An Integrative Introduction

by Schmalleger, Frank

• ISBN13: 9780131777118
• ISBN10: 0131777114
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-06-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

Relevant, interesting, and eye-catching in its four-color layout, this probing introduction to contemporary criminology builds upon the dichotomy between the social problems perspective and the social responsibility perspective in crime - creating a useful framework that will help readers better understand central issues in the field, make informed decisions, and draw their own conclusions about American public policy in the crime-control area. Debates the primary issue of whether crime should be addressed as a matter of individual responsibility and accountability, or treated as a symptom of a dysfunctional society. Addresses the latest social issues and discusses innovative criminological perspectives within a well-grounded and traditional theoretical framework. Emphasizes the wide and interdisciplinary variety of academic perspectives which contribute to a thorough and well-informed understanding of the crime problem. Considers Jack Kevorkian and the issue of whether the "assisted death" should continue to be criminalized; the insanity defense and John E. du Pont; analyses of the Daubert standard and DNA testing, the FBI's new National Computer Crime Squad (NCCS), the Reno v. ACLU 1997 case on internet indecency, and much more. Includes an award-winning web site and numerous other supplementary resources.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. xxiii
Preface	p. xxv
Acknowledgments	p. xxvii
About the Author	p. xxix
Instructions to Students Using Criminology Today's World Wide Web Features	p. xxx
The Crime Picture
What Is Criminology?	p. 3
Patterns of Crime	p. 33
Research Methods and Theory Development	p. 81
Crime Causation
Classical and Neoclassical Thought	p. 109
Biological Roots of Criminal Behavior	p. 137
Psychological and Psychiatric Foundations of Criminal Behavior	p. 169
Sociological Theories I: Social Structure	p. 201
Sociological Theories II: Social Process and Social Development	p. 227
Sociological Theories III: Social Conflict	p. 259
Crime in the Modern World
Crimes Against Persons	p. 287
Crimes Against Property	p. 329
White-Collar and Organized Crime	p. 357
Drug Abuse and Crime	p. 387
Technology and Crime	p. 417
Responding to Criminal Behavior
Criminology and Social Policy	p. 449
Future Directions	p. 477
Glossary	p. 493
Subject Index	p. 507
Name Index	p. 520
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.