Legal and Social Science Definitions of Crime

How does the Oxford English Dictionary define crime?

• An action or omission which constitutes an offence and is punishable by law.

• A violation of societal norms and customs that is not punishable by law.

• A legal dispute between two parties that requires resolution.

• An act that is only punishable by social sanctions, not by law.

What does the sociological perspective suggest is necessary for an act to be considered a crime?

• A legal system's formal declaration.

• Public acknowledgment and reaction.

• The presence of a victim who suffers harm.

• Universal moral agreement on the act's negativity.

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Sociology, how does the concept of crime extend beyond mere legal definitions?

• It includes any action frowned upon by society, regardless of legality.

• It encompasses only those actions punishable by death.

• It refers strictly to violations of civil law.

• It involves actions that break legal prohibitions and are subject to sanctions. within the public sphere.

What is one of the reasons for the difference of opinion in the social sciences?

• The effectiveness of law enforcement

• The nature of law making

• The impact of economic policies

• The role of education in society

Who is responsible for enforcing the laws and determining who is found guilty?

• The government

• Law enforcement and power

• The judicial system

• Social workers

According to Albert Bandura, how is criminal behavior learned?

• Through genetic differences

• By observing those around you

• As a rational choice

• It is an inevitable part of society

What was Cesare Beccaria's view on crime and punishment?

• Crime is learned by observing others

• Crime is an evolutionary throwback

• Crime is a rational choice and punishment should be fair and understood by everyone

• Crime is inevitable and important for society

What is Emile Durkheim's sociological explanation for crime?

• Crime is a rational choice

• Crime is learned by observation

• Crime is inevitable and plays an important function in society

• Crime is determined by genetics

What does Cesare Lombroso suggest about criminal behavior?

• It is learned through observation

• It is a rational choice

• It is an inevitable part of society

• It is largely determined by genetics

What do psychological theories of crime study?

• The legal systems and their effectiveness

• Why individuals commit crimes and the role of thoughts and feelings

• The history of criminal behavior

• The impact of crime on society