Page 1: Foundations of Criminal Justice

This page introduces fundamental concepts and definitions in criminal justice, laying the groundwork for understanding the system's complexities.

Definition: Crime is defined as the violation of society's laws by individuals or groups subject to those laws.

The criminal justice system is described as a major social institution responsible for controlling crime through various means, including detection, adjudication, and punishment or rehabilitation.

Vocabulary: Criminalization refers to the process of making a deviant act criminal by writing laws with defined sanctions, while decriminalization involves removing criminal status from an act.

Ethics in criminal justice guides behavior and decision-making within the system. The concept of victimhood is explored, including the controversial idea of victim precipitation.

Highlight: The notion of "victims of crime" did not exist until well into the 17th century, highlighting the evolving nature of criminal justice concepts.

The page also touches on different views of law creation, including pluralist/interactionist, consensus, and conflict perspectives, each offering unique insights into how laws are formed and implemented in society.

Page 2: Defining and Measuring Crime

This page delves into the methods and challenges of defining and measuring crime within the criminal justice system.

The 3Cs model of the Criminal legal system is introduced, providing a framework for understanding the system's structure and functions. The page contrasts crime control and due process philosophies, highlighting their similarities, differences, and practical applications.

Example: Media coverage of crimes can significantly impact public perception and policy decisions, often skewing towards sensational or unusual cases rather than providing a balanced view of crime rates.

The Wedding cake model of the criminal justice system is explained, using a metaphor to illustrate how different types of crimes are treated within the system.

Highlight: What are the three methods of measuring crime? The page outlines three general sources of crime statistics, each with its own strengths and limitations:

1. Official Statistics (Uniform Crime Report)
2. Victimization Studies (National Victimization Survey)
3. National Incident-Based Reporting System

Vocabulary: The Uniform Crime Report is a key tool in measurement of crime pdf resources, providing standardized crime data across jurisdictions.

The page also addresses research bias and ethical considerations in crime measurement, emphasizing the importance of accurate and fair data collection and interpretation.

Definition: Street crime typically refers to criminal offenses that occur in public spaces, while white-collar crime involves non-violent crimes committed in business and professional settings.

The distinctions between crimes against persons, property, public order, and drug offenses are outlined, along with their relative severity and societal impact.