Criminology Research Articles

The Past and Present of Crime Research inSocial Forces: How the Sociology of Crime Lost its Roots—And Found Them Again

AbstractThe centennial of Social Forces provides an opportunity to examine change and stability in crime research in one of sociology’s oldest journals. Since the first issue of Social Forces in 1922, crime and punishment have transitioned from marginal topics subsumed under the umbrella of deviance studies to a central research area. This essay traces the intellectual development of crime research as captured in Social Forces’ pages and contrasts it with the growing independence of criminology as an academic field. To do so, I employ two analyses. First, I examine the topical classifications provided by Moody, Edelmann and Light (2022). Second, I expand upon these classifications by using structural topic models (STM) to detect clusters of crime research activity in Social Forces’ abstracts and group them into “eras” of crime research. The analysis reveals a circular development of crime research in Social Forces that reflects broader trends in the sociology of crime. 1 Themes of power, stratification, and punishment oriented early studies on crime. Research attention focused on inequality within the justice system, the effects of juvenile justice contact on criminal labeling and recidivism, and inequalities resulting from justice system contact. However, as crime rates rose throughout the Western world, Social Forces articles sought to explain the causes of crime and evaluate policies designed to cull the crime wave. In recent decades, persistent crime declines combined with growing concern with an oversized prison system have refocused attention on incarceration and its collateral consequences, especially for adolescent well-being and racial and class inequalities. In this way, crime research in Social Forces has returned to core themes of power and stratification that motivated early work in the sociology of crime. It has also distanced itself from individual etiology and policy studies that once dominated the journal’s pages and that continue to appear in specialist outlets.

Does Fear of Crime Moderate the Relationship Between Low Self-Control and Victimization? An Empirical Study

Abstract Taking into consideration the framework of the general theory of crime, research has been exploring the role of low self-control in the explanation of both crime perpetration and personal victimization. Moreover, while several studies have been analysing the role of victimization experiences in the fear of crime, less is known about how an individuals’ fear of crime influences the likelihood of being victimized. Therefore, using a sample of 243 individuals (55.6% women) from the University of Porto, through a self-reported survey, we tested (i) the effects of low self-control on victimization and (ii) the moderating role of fear of crime on the relationship between self-control and victimization. Results showed that low self-control was positively correlated with victimization. It was observed that fear of crime moderated the effect of low self-control on victimization, thus suggesting that the relationship between low self-control and victimization is not observed when fear of crime is high. Implications of the results are discussed.

Preempting fraud: a financial distress prediction perspective on combating financial crime

PurposeThe prevention of fraudulent activities, particularly within a financial context, is of paramount significance in all spheres, as it not only impacts the sustainability of corporate entities but also has the potential to have a broader economy-wide impact. This paper aims to focus on dual implications associated with financial distress, the first being associated with the temptation to launder funds due to financial distress, and the second being the potential for illicit activities, such as fraud, money laundering or terror financing, to give rise to financial distress.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the literature on financial distress and uses theories of financial crime to establish a link between financial distress and financial crime.FindingsIn recent years, there has been a surge in corporate financial distress, particularly in the aftermath of concurrent crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war. Through a comprehensive examination of literature pertaining to financial distress and financial crime, this study identifies a proclivity towards fraudulent conduct arising from instances of financial distress. Moreover, the engagement in such illicit activities subsequently exacerbates the financial distress. An analysis of the relationship between financial crime and financial distress reveals the existence of a vicious cycle between the two.Originality/valueThe results of this study have the potential to advance understanding of the relationship between financial distress and financial crime, which has been previously underexplored.

Testing stability of self-control over time among South Korean Youth using semi-parametric group-based modeling

Gottfredson and Hirschi argued the self-control theory in A General Theory of Crime (1990). Since then, many studies have examined the central proposition of low self-control as the cause of criminal behavior with cross-sectional data. However, few research studies have tested other stability propositions that low self-control is stable across the life-course and that once it is established at age 8 to 10, it remains relatively stable regardless of life changes. The purpose of this study was to examine stability postulate of the self-control theory. The current study used six-wave panel data of the Korean Children & Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS), which measured self-control of elementary school students at one year each of time points. The test of relative stability hypothesis comprises four analyses of data: correlations, individual change scores, SGM (Semi-parametric Group-based Modeling), and Multinomial Logistic Regression. Results revealed that the hypothesis of self-control stability was not strongly supported by the longitudinal data. Based on prior empirical research and this study’s finding, more research is needed to determine the stability of self-control.

Implication Extradisi, Mutual Legal Assistance (UNODC) Dikaitkan Teori Pidana, Perjanjian Internasional

Extradition agreements based on the international resolution A/RES/45/166 68th Plenary meeting on 14 December 1990 in conjunction with A/RES/52/88 70th Plenary meeting on December 12, 1997 for making extradition treaties and mutual legal assistance internationally.This propose the problem identification as follows: 1. What are the important articles suggested in the extradition treaty and mutual legal assistance related to criminal theory and international treaties. 2. How is the application and implementation of the extradition and mutual legal assistance based on the national and regional especially In Indonesia.This research conducted is analytical descriptive. Here is the research results, as follows: 1.) Important articles suggested in the extradition treaty are the principle of nebis in idem, the principle of multiple crimes and the diplomatic principle and the mutual legal assistance is the principle of agreement, the principle of reciprocity, the principle of equality of crimes, the principle of territoriality and the principle of surrendering the perpetrators of political crimes. 2) The implementation of extradition treaty model and the mutual legal assistance from the national and regional legal aspects. Based on the regional aspect, Indonesia is the most active country in realizing a cooperation within an agreement.

범죄와 인간본성에 관한 비판적 고찰

The exploration of human nature in relation to crime begins with the understanding that all humans possess both criminal and crime-inhibiting natures. This perspective contrasts with crime theories that attribute the causes of crime to individual personality, aptitude, temperament, societal structure, learning, or culture. Uncovering the criminal and crime-inhibiting natures that all humans share from a common nature is not only necessary to challenge traditional crime theories, but also essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior To this end, this study first distinguishes concepts such as instincts, aptitude, temperament, and personality from the concept of nature and establishes their relationships. The essence of crime is shown to be merely a cultural product that serves to inhibit human animal instincts, through philosophical debates on human nature, Finally, this study examines the human nature underlying each crime theory in conjunction with four criminal natures - violence, impulsivity, desire, imitation and learning - and two crime-inhibiting natures - fear and sensitivity to others.

The role of religious contexts on hate crimes, 2003–2017

AbstractObjectiveCombining insights from socio‐criminological theories of (hate) crimes and the moral communities perspective, this article examines how the religious makeup of a county—evangelical Protestant, mainline Protestant, and Catholic adherence rates—affects county‐level hate crime patterns.MethodsZero‐inflated negative binomial regressions were conducted on a unique county‐level data set that included reported hate crimes, religious adherence rates, and related correlates of hate crimes for three distinct temporal periods: 2003–2007, 2008–2012, and 2013–2017.ResultsResults demonstrate that a county's total adherence rate, mainline Protestant rate and, to a lesser degree, Catholic adherence rate are associated with fewer hate crimes. We find no evidence that the evangelical Protestant adherence rate is associated with the number of hate crimes.ConclusionThese results support the moral communities hypothesis, extend research on the religion–crime nexus, and highlight the distinction between religious and secular organizations in community‐level crime patterns, particularly hate crimes.

범죄자의 자기통제력과 전자감독 순응도와의 관계 연구

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between the low self control and the compliant attitude of probationers under electronic monitoring in South Korea. It is imperative to examine the relationship between self control of offenders and law-abiding behavior of probationers by utilizing the revised general theory of crime due to the henious crimes that probationers had commiitted recently while they are under EM. Revised general theory crime has been used in order to examine and check whether or not the level of bonding between probation officers and offenders under EM is key moderator for explaining the association between the self control and compliant attitude of probationers. This study has employed Hirsch's revised theory of self-control. Compared the original Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory(1990), the revised self-control theory emphaized the importance of social control factors. This study used ‘2013 sex offender electronic monitoring system Operational status survey’ of korean institute of criminology and justice data and a total of 410 cases were used for the analysis. SPSS was used as an analysis tool, and Hayes(2013)' PROCESS macro was used to examine the moderating effect. The result showed that the self-control of electronic monitoring probationer and compliance with the electronic monitoring system had a positive relationships while the social bonding between probation officers and offenders under EM had not been identified. Further policy implications will be discussed.

Reflections on applying behavioural insights to crime: a guide for behavioural scientists and criminologists in search of policy unicorns

AbstractBehavioural science has made significant contributions to public policy over the last decade from tax compliance to pensions and energy use. However, behavioural insights (BI) have not yet been able to claim significant policy shifts in the area of crime, despite increasing interest and experimentation. This paper offers a critical reflection on the state of BI and crime from the perspective of those who have been at the forefront of this work since the inception of the world's first behavioural science team in government. We outline how existing theories of crime have already laid foundations for the successful application of BI but identify opportunities to build on these with tools from behavioural science. We conclude by examining how continued cross-pollination of ideas between BI and disciplines such as applied criminology points to promising directions for future research.

Modelling Radicalisation: Applying Situational Action Theory to the Christchurch Attacks

The March 2019 Christchurch terror attacks were something of a turning point for both law enforcement agencies in New Zealand and for terrorism studies scholars. The growth of religious terrorism, the rise of right-wing extremism, and the imaginative use of the internet by violent extremists pose new security challenges today. This article examines the merits of a criminological radicalisation model for lone actors of terrorism specific to the New Zealand setting. The article examines the concept of radicalisation in the terrorism literature and argues for a clear distinction between the cognitive and behavioural stages of radicalisation. It analyses some of the unique domestic factors which affect radicalisation in New Zealand and provides a brief threat evaluation of extremism. The article proceeds to identify some of the reasons behind ‘why out of millions of people facing similar conditions, only the few become terrorists’ by applying the Situational Action Theory of Crime to the Christchurch terror attacks. Finally, the article recommends some specific interventions for law enforcement agencies to try and thwart future terrorists.

A Critical Assessment of The Rising Wave of Criminal Activity and Perceptions of Social Work Roles Among Nigerian Youth

Aim: Crime is an ongoing phenomenon since the existence of human beings and can be seen in every society. When left unchecked, it becomes worrisome and creates fear in people's minds and causes untold suffering. Especially in developing countries, crime is present in every society, regardless of its level of development, which even hinders the socio-economic development of countries. This study aims to focus on the recently increasing crime rates in Nigeria, especially among the youth, to reveal the possible causes of this alarming trend, to point out the impact on Nigerian society and the pursuit of socio-economic development when left unchecked, and then to propose solutions to this anomaly.. Methodology: This study reads both social learning theory and cultural crime theory as a theoretical guide for the reader. A generative questionnaire design was used. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis were used to address the relationship between youth and crime in Nigeria. The Nigerian who manages to run this wins. The recruitment was from one thousand eight hundred (1800) youth selected from six (6) geopolitical regions in nigeria, selected through a multifaceted recruitment technique that included purposeful, stratified and quota exploitation methods. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and direct citations, while quantitative components were analyzed using microorganisms and inferential statistics. Results: The gender of participants was found that 66.7% were male and 33.3% were female. Also 20% of the responders are unemployed or graduates. The questions were asked on reasons for the rising numbers of crimes committed by youths, indicate to the not enough policies of the federal to ameliorate this, youth unemployment and ways this menace can be tackled. Conclusion: These results showed It discovered that unemployment and lack of meaningful empowerment by government, among others, are responsible for high crime rates among youths. It recommends urgent efforts on the part of government to gainfully engage unemployed youths for decent means of livelihood while pointing mostly commensurate penalties and proper rehabilitation/mentorship to perpetrators of crimes to serve as deterrent to others.

Crime, Consumption, and Choice: On the Interchangeability of Licit and Illicit Income

We examine the rational assumption of the interchangeability of legal and illegal monies. Drawing from economics, behavioral economics, and sociology we answer two main research questions: (1) Do offenders perceive money earned across various income-generating activities (legal vs. illegal) in the same way? (2) How do consumption patterns (spending and saving) differ across various forms of income-generating activities? We use an a priori mixed methods approach with two interrelated studies; a quantitative survey of incarcerated offenders (N = 58) and a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews from four separate previous research projects (N = 107). We find evidence for the existence of differential consumption patterns based on quantitative and qualitative data from both incarcerated and active offenders regarding their patterns of spending legal and illegal money. Our findings have implications for choice theories of crime, for public policy approaches to poverty, and crime prevention interventions.

Revisiting the economic theory of crime A state-level analysis in India

The economic theory of crime tends to suggest that deterrence variables have a significant impact on crime rates in a society. From an economic perspective, criminals are rational economic agents who weigh the likelihood of being arrested and apprehended before committing a crime. An increase in the likelihood of arrest and apprehension should deter criminals as it increases the expected costs of committing crimes. This paper revisits the behavioral links between deterrence variables and crime rates in the Indian context. Empirically, we draw on state level data for India in 2001–2014 and employ the system GMM estimator technique to support our claims. The study reports that deterrence factors (probability of arrest and apprehension) have a perverse impact on India’s crime rates. The paper reveals that an increase in the probability of deterrence variables does not lead to a reduction in crime rates, indicating a fundamental flaw in India’s corrective mechanisms. The research recommends penal system reform in order to accurately reconfigure the behavioral links between deterrence variables and crime rates.

The Theorizing of Terrorism Within Criminology

Objectives: While terrorism studies were once castigated as atheoretical and unempirical, criminology has been well suited to apply theories of crime to terrorism and to then test those theories with rigorous methods and robust data. The present study takes stock of how criminologists have theorized about terrorism and tested those theories over time in 13 of the discipline's leading journals. Methods: The study systematically examines theoretical framing, hypotheses, methodological approach, focus within criminology and criminal justice, and policy recommendations in terrorism-focused articles. Results: While terrorism has become more central within top journals, sparse attention has been paid to many criminological theories that could help us understand terrorism. Additional qualitative, theoretical, and mixed-methods research is needed. Further, few articles address the making of terrorism laws. We identify other systematic strengths and weaknesses across the literature and highlight domains for future research. Conclusions: Criminological research on terrorism has engaged theories within and beyond the discipline and employed a range of methodologies with diverse data sources to make contributions to both our broader field and to the larger body of scholarship on terrorism. Yet, many opportunities exist for criminologists to expand research on the making, breaking, and reaction to break laws regarding terrorism.

Evaluation of Current Investigations and Future Directions in White-Collar Crime

Background: White-collar crime refers to illegal activities that individuals or organizations commit during business or professional activities. These crimes are often financially motivated and include embezzlement, fraud, bribery, money laundering, and insider trading. White-collar crime can have significant consequences for individuals, organizations, and society. Objectives: The objectives of research on white-collar crime may include understanding the motivations and behaviors of those who engage in such activities and identifying the organizational and societal factors. That contributes to the prevalence of white-collar crime and the development of new methods for detecting and preventing white-collar crime. Method: This review highlights and assesses recent (primarily during the past decade) contributions to white-collar crime theory, new evidence regarding the sentencing and punishment of white-collar offenders, and controversies surrounding crime prevention and control policies. Several promising new directions for white-collar crime research are identified, as are methodological and data deficiencies that limit progress. Results: The results of a study on white-collar crime can vary depending on the specific research question and methods used. However, some common findings include the prevalence of certain types of white-collar crime, the characteristics of individuals and organizations that are most likely to engage in such activities, and the impact of white-collar crime on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Conclusion: The research conclusion on white-collar crime may summarize the main findings, highlight the implications of the research, and make recommendations for future research. Evaluation of Current Investigations and Future Directions: Current investigations on white-collar crime have greatly improved our understanding of white-collar offenders' motivations, behaviors and methods. However, there are still areas that need further exploration, such as the study of the psychological profiles of white-collar offenders, the impact of technology on white-collar crime and its detection, and the examination of the role of organizational culture in the commission of the white-collar crime. It is also crucial to focus on the development of effective interventions and policies to prevent white-collar crime from happening. Future research may also consider the global and cross-cultural dimensions of white-collar crime.

Self-Control and Curiosity: Has Curiosity Been an Overlooked Concept in the Crime/Deviance Decision-Making Process?

ABSTRACT We conducted an empirical test of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s, 1990 A General Theory of Crime in this exploratory study to introduce the concept of curiosity to criminological theory. Specifically, we tested whether self-control was significantly associated with curiosity and whether curiosity significantly predicted a crime/deviance index beyond the effects of self-control. An original eight item curiosity scale was created that measured both an attitudinal curiosity dimension and a behavioral curiosity component and compared the ability of this new measure with the capability of the most commonly used self-control scale in predicting a crime/deviance index. Data was derived from a convenience sample of college students. As theoretically predicted, self-control was significantly correlated with curiosity, and the curiosity scale significantly predicted the crime/deviance index, beyond the effects of the self-control scale. More conservative tests demonstrated that curiosity also significantly predicted involvement in more specific illegal/deviance measures, including those involving somewhat serious delinquent/criminal conduct. The findings led us to conclude that curiosity may be another additional cause of crime/deviance beyond the effects of self-control, curiosity explains more than just involvement in exploratory types of illegal/deviant behavior, and that curiosity has been an overlooked concept in the crime/deviance decision-making process.

Cruelty against Leniency: The Case of Imperial Zoroastrian Criminal Law

The article examines the impact of Zoroastrianism on criminal law and legal theory during the reign of the Sasanian dynasty (224–651 C.E) in late Antique Persia. This was the historic period when Zoroastrianism was also the ideology of the Iranian state, which granted the Zoroastrian church extraordinary power and influence, a unique situation which is termed by the author as ‘imperial Zoroastrianism’. The first part of the paper examines how imperial Zoroastrianism evolved from previous understanding of religion and law. The second part of the paper scrutinises the Zoroastrian understanding of wrong in the light of eschatology and cosmology, and the ethical principles that follow from this very particular world view. Next, an individual section is devoted to the criminal theory of Zoroastrianism, which regards criminal punishment not as a punishment but as a means to save the soul of the offender from sufferings in Hell. With such an underlying principle in mind, the text looks for examples of cruelty and leniency in substantive criminal law and criminal procedure. This main body of the article examines contemporary legal sources and apocalyptic works. Finally, a comparison of Hindu and Islamic criminal legal theory follows the description of the Zoroastrian criminal law, highlighting astonishing similarities. Considering the results of both the analytic and the comparative methods, the author comes to the conclusion that it is not religion in itself that suppresses crimes, but rather their eschatology and cosmology: religions that are based on divine justice are less lenient toward crimes and offenders than religions in which alternative concepts like divine grace or non-violence are also operative.

Kriminalisasi Homoseksual Sebagai Tindak Pidana

This study discusses the criminalization of homosexuality as a crime. This research is motivated by cases of homosexuality which are increasingly being discussed in Indonesia until now homosexuals have the courage to demonstrate their deviations from their sexual orientation in public. This study focuses on the problem of how moral determination is in criminal law and whether homosexuality committed by adults can be used as a crime. This research method is qualitative. The results of the study show that there is a very close relationship between morals and criminal law, therefore the basis of morality in criminal law is an important issue. In determining criminal acts, the moral system must be considered. Even though there is no obligation, the morality of society must at least be paid close attention to by the state when determining an act as a crime. Based on the moral theory, the policy of criminalizing homosexual acts fulfills the criteria of criminalization, that is, the act is immoral and harmful to individuals and society. Homosexual acts committed by same-sex couples need to be made criminal acts, first: Juridical basis, based on Law Number 11 of 2012, Pancasila and several articles in the NRI Constitution and finally Article 1 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code which regulates the principle of legality. Second: philosophical basis, it is realized that the criminalization of homosexual acts against homosexual acts committed by same-sex couples meets the general criteria for criminalization which is supported by forms of criminalization theory: moral theory, Feinberg theory and paternalism theory. Third: sociological basis, homosexual acts of the same sex as an act that is not in line with the soul, nation, the reaction of the community that rejects homosexual activity, and is not in line with the style of customary law society.

Modern Rule-Making as the Basis for the Formation of a New Theory of Criminalization

Modern society is undergoing a period of transformation that affects all fundamental spheres, including the sphere of criminal policy and criminal law. The state of instability and uncertainty of social development is reflected, among other things, in the fact that the practice of current rule-making in the field of constructing criminal law prohibitions often demonstrates a clear contradiction to the rules and principles of criminalization that have developed in the domestic legal doctrine at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. This phenomenon receives a predominantly negative assessment in the scientific literature. Without denying the substantive criticism, at the same time, it is necessary to raise the question that the steady nature of deviations from the usual standard rules of criminalization indicates the gradual formation of a new theory of criminalization, the contours and content of which have not yet been recognized by science to the proper extent. Based on the study of the materials of the legislative process, the authors substantiate the idea that the modern practice of criminalization is based on a coherent system of doctrinal ideas that go back to the theory of psychological coercion of criminal punishment, the theory of criminal education of the individual, the theory of legal moralism, the theory of preventive criminalization and the theory of social constructivism. In their unique configuration, these theoretical concepts constitute a coherent doctrine that allows for the free, unrestricted construction of criminal law prohibitions in order to ensure the safety of the process of social transformation from any minimum possible and potential threats. It is possible to achieve that by means of the formation and maintenance through the threat of criminal punishment of the necessary moral status of individuals and the moral solidarity of society based on the values that are meaning-forming actors of social transformation.

Prognose do risco e previsibilidade do resultado: uma análise a partir do julgado no AgRg-REsp 1.094.758

The scope of this article is to analyze, from the case decided in RE 1.094.758, the institute of predictability in the theory of crime. First, the factual details of the res judicata are presented, which generated an indictment for bodily injuries qualified by the death of the victim, and then we move on to the presentation of how the different instances of the Judiciary decided, as well as the reasons for deciding. Next, the specific grounds for the decision are analyzed in order to clarify whether the finding of the unpredictability of a factual element closes the question of risk prognosis. Thereby, it is reflected on the minimum criteria for the analysis of predictability and the arguments contained in the decision that defined the outcome of the case analyzed are scrutinized. At the end, it is also analyzed whether a special condition of the victim not knowable to the agent could be considered in the risk prognosis and whether the analyzed judge could resolve the case by the absence of devaluation of result. It is concluded that the analyzed judgment did not fully analyze the issue of predictability of the result, because the impossibility of predicting that the victim had a disease does not necessarily equate to the conclusion that the outcome was unpredictable.