Chapter 1 Synthesis

When you think about crime, it is very easy to picture. You can picture someone

robbing a bank or stealing a car. But what is crime by definition? That can be a little

tricky. The definition of crime is ever evolving because society and its outlook on what is

acceptable and what is not is also continually changing. A certain act may be looked

upon as a crime for the better part of a decade, but as societys outlook on morals

evolves the act is no longer viewed as a crime. We are slowly starting to see this

process of societys views evolving, with the legalization of marijuana. While still illegal

on the federal level, people are starting to change their views on marijuana consumption

and are advocating for the declassification of the substance. This shows how

complicated the definition of crime is. Marijuana while illegal on a federal level is

actually legal in some states. Is the consumption of marijuana in those states still

considered a crime? As you can see, the definition of crime changes along with

societys views.

Crime by definition is an act that violates criminal law and is punishable by

criminal sanctions (1,5). There are two models that refer to how society judges what

acts are classified as criminal acts. The first is the Consensus Model. This model is

based off of the majority rules concept. In this model, the majority of citizens in a society

will share the same values and beliefs therefore establishing laws that coincide with

those values and beliefs (1,6). In Utah, the Consensus Model can be seen with how

heavily influenced our laws are with the majority religion. The citizens all share the

same beliefs and our laws reflect that. Laws such as the Zion Curtain indicate what

values the majority of citizens hold in high regard. The second model is the Conflict
Model. This model is based off of political power. Criminal law is determined by the

groups that hold economic, political, and social power in a community (1,7). This model

can be exemplified by lobbying. Certain groups that have money, are considered upper

class, or are politically powerful, can push their agendas through the government and

can effectively create laws that benefit themselves.

Crimes are classified into six different categories based off of the seriousness of

the crime. The types of crime are: violent crime, property crime, public order crime,

white collar crime, organized crime, and high-tech crime (1,8). Violent crime is broken

down into four major categories: murder, sexual assault, assault and battery, and finally

robbery. Next up is property crime. This encompasses anything from burglary and

larceny, to arson. This is the most common form of criminal activity (1,8). Public order

crimes are often referred to as victimless crimes. These are activities that go against the

public values and morals of society. Prostitution, drug use, and gambling are considered

public order crimes. White collar crimes are nonviolent crimes that are business related.

These are usually acts that will help either a person or business gain an advantage.

Organized crime is illegal acts committed by illegal organizations usually by way of

violence, corruption, or intimidation for economic gain (1,9). The last category is high-

tech crime. This emcompasses any type of cyber crime. This includes identity theft,

soliciting minors, fraud, etc.

To protect ourselves from all of these crimes, the criminal justice system was

introduced. This is an interlocking network of law enforcement agencies, courts, and

corrections institutions designed to enforce criminal laws and protect society from

criminal behavior (1,10). The purpose of the criminal justice system is to control crime,
to prevent crime, and to provide and maintain justice. Many will argue over which goal is

the most important, but in my opinion they are connected in a way that if one succeeds,

they all succeed. That ensures that we are not overlooking one goal in order to meet

another.

Chapter 2 Synthesis

In chapter 2, the concept of theory in criminology is discussed. There are many

theories as to why people commit crimes. Some theories hypothesize that your genetic

makeup has a significant role in whether you are predispositioned to commit a crime.

Other theories hypothesize that social pressures and stress can cause an individual to

commit a crime. Even with all of the theories that have been studied, there is no one

concrete explanation as to why people commit crimes. In my opinion, there are so many

different influences and triggers that can all combine to cause a person to commit a

crime. I think that you have to take parts of each theory in order to fully understand why

someone would commit a crime. Humans are complex beings. To simply categorize a

person and say the reason why they committed this crime is because they are from a

lower social class would be naive. You must look at every aspect of their life in order to

understand the mindset of that person. What was their upbringing? What kind of a

person are they? What is their social life like? What are factors that could be putting

stress on this individual? These are all questions that can be taken from the multiple

theories and then used in order to better understand why a person would commit a

crime. This is a side of criminal justice that I find fascinating. To try and learn why people
act the way they do and to use different parts of psychology to understand the mind of a

criminal is a very interesting concept.

Chapter 3 Synthesis

Crimes are classified into two different categories depending on the seriousness

of the crime itself. These categories are felonies and misdemeanors. Both felonies and

misdemeanors are punished differently depending on how serious the crime was.

Felonies are serious crimes that are punishable by death or imprisonment (1,76).

There are four degrees of felony as well. Capital offenses, which may be punishable by

death, are the most severe crimes. First degree felonies may be punishable by life in

prison. Second degree felonies may be punishable by a maximum of ten years in prison

and third degree felonies are punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.

Like felonies, misdemeanors have varying degrees depending on the severity of

the crime. Misdemeanors are categorized from Class A which are the most severe to

Class C which is the least severe. The punishments for these crimes are less severe

because the crimes are generally low grade crimes. I think that having categories for

differing crimes is necessary for society. If you were punished for possession of a drug

the same way you are punished for murder, then the justice system would be failing

society. Having varying degrees of crime brings structure and a peace of mind to the

public. You as a citizen are able to judge whether the punishment fits the crime or not.

Crimes may also be categorized as mala in se and mala prohibita crimes. These

are terms used to define which crimes go against natural law or go against human

made law. Mala in se describes a crime that is considered wrong even if there were no
laws prohibiting it (1,78). Crimes such as murder and rape are considered mala in se

because they go against the morals and principles of society. Mala prohibita are crimes

that are not inherently wrong, but are prohibited because of man made laws. Crimes

such as prostitution and illicit drug use would be considered mala prohibita. These are

often called victimless crimes.

Chapter 4 Synthesis

There are four categories of written sources of American criminal law. They are

Constitutional law, statutory law, administrative law, and case law. Each of these written

sources gives citizens an understanding of what the rules and regulations are for the

specific location that they are in. They also set precedent for court rulings in criminal

cases and personal cases. Each written source is a reference that can be used when

trying to rule on a certain case. For example, attorneys can reference Constitutional law

and show that their clients Constitutional rights were violated. They can also reference

past case law to show that the law was interpreted a certain way in a ruling and that it

sent a precedent for future rulings. Interpreting each written source, in my opinion, is

very interesting. Opinions differ on how laws can be interpreted, especially

Constitutional law. Someone may interpret the Second Amendment as everyone has the

right to bear arms. Others may interpret it as a militia has the right to bear arms. Trying

to interpret the exact meaning as it pertains to today's society is very difficult.

Each source of written law is put into place in order to give structure to the justice

system. They all work hand in hand in assuring that the justice system is all

encompassing and can answer any question that arises in the courts. This will assure
that citizens are given the fairest trial in court because every written source of law is

referenced.

Chapter 5 Synthesis

There are four basic responsibilities of the police. To enforce laws, to provide

services, to prevent crime, and to preserve the peace. In today's law enforcement,

police officers are expected to be a swiss army knife when it comes to their roles in

society. They are expected to do everything from helping with directions to

apprehending an armed robber. Some may argue that officers should focus more on

preventing crime while others may argue that they should focus more on enforcing the

law. In my opinion, you cannot put one responsibility ahead of the others. As with most

subjects discussed in this paper, all responsibilities work hand in hand with each other

and are at their most productive state when each one is given equal attention. It is all

about balance. If you spend all of your efforts and time only enforcing laws, citizens

wont feel comfortable asking for help with other services. They will feel like officers are

only there to enforce the law and will seem unapproachable.

Local law enforcement such as sheriffs, state police, and highway patrols are not

the only law enforcement officials that citizens will encounter. Federal law enforcement

agencies such as the FBI, ICE, CBP, and Department of Homeland Security are also

agencies that will deal with law enforcement issues.

Chapter 6 Synthesis
 What does it take to become a police officer? Requirements include being a U.S.

citizen, not have been convicted of a felony, have a valid i.d. In the state where you are

applying, be at least 21 years old, and meet the weight and eyesight requirements

(1,185). Once you have met those requirements and passed the necessary training, you

are eligible to become an officer. Meeting all of the necessary requirements does not

always mean that you are suited for the job though. In my opinion, officers must have

exceptional people skills as well. After all, you are coming in contact with civilians every

day and having to deal with them in stressful situations sometimes. Being able to

effectively communicate with people is necessary in order to gain the trust of the public.

Gaining the trust of the public will go a long way in being able to do your job effectively.

Policing strategies also play a big role in the success of your job. There are many

different strategies that cover different situations. Patrol strategies, arrest strategies, to

anti-terrorism efforts are used on a daily basis. Knowing how to do your job efficiently

and effectively is extremely important to law enforcement. This ensures that the public is

safe and that crime is low.

References

1. Gaines, Larry K., Miller, Roger LeRoy (2011). Criminal Justice In Action.

Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.