Criminology Essay Examples and Topics

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823 samples

Criminal Signature and Modus Operandi

Criminal signature describes traits and elements of the crime scene that are largely unnecessary to the commitment of the crime, and serve for the criminal's emotional or psychological gratification as a personal imprint.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1289

Psychological Profile of John Wayne Gacy

Gacy was born into a family of a homemaker mother and a father veteran of the First World War and a car repair person. In the course of charging, trialing, and convicting he never admitted [...]
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1780

Cybercrimes: Theories and Sociological Perspective

The accelerated digitization of personal, business, and governmental activities and the application of such emerging technologies as remote working, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things have facilitated the explosive growth in cybercrime.
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  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 2028

Unemployment Leads to Crime Essay

In the 1990s, the rate of unemployment was low and so was the rate of property crime. Crime rates increase steadily in society, and the rate of crime is connected to unemployment and low wages.
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  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1462

Pennsylvania and Auburn Correctional Systems

The Pennsylvania system unlike the Auburn system advocated for total solitary confinement, in the sense that inmates were kept on their own irrespective of the time of day or the activity they were partaking in.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 869

Theories of Violence Causes: John Wayne Gacy

During the subsequent year, he was given the responsibility of overseeing the clothing section of the business. The very first time that Gacy was caught up by the arm of the law was in 1968.
  • Pages: 10
  • Words: 2762

Forensic Psychology: Zodiac Killer Case Analysis

By looking at the subject matter of the Zodiac Killer, the present paper aims to identify important characteristics related to serial killers and how the domain of forensic psychology could be applied to solve cases [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1262

Factors Influencing the Commission of Crime

Some of the factors that contribute to the decision-making of the offender are based on time constraints, the ability of the information available, agreeing with the offender's plans as well as the availability of favorable [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 747

Chinese Triads: History and Activities

The number of members in triads can be extremely high reaching up to tens of thousands. Ultimately, the impact of triads' actions is felt most in China.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 575

White Collar Crime

Parties affected by the crime and how it affects them White collar criminals place more emphasis on their personal needs than their organization's to the point of downplaying the real costs of their actions.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1405

Consequences of Committing Crime

These factors affect the behavior of an individual and might lead them to criminal activities depending on the effect of the overall combination of the elements mentioned above.
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  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 1013

Criminology as a Social Science

In addition, as McClanahan and South note, the study of crime as a general phenomenon, the causes of crime, the personality of the offender, and crime prevention measures fall within the scope of sociology.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1398

Profiling. The American and U.K Model

The main objective is to ensure that the perpetrator is apprehended and convicted for the crime committed. This paper gives an overview of criminal profiling that includes types of profiling done in the United States [...]
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1968

Stereotypes and Realities of Japanese Yakuza

Although, there are several factors that contributed to the emergence and the predominance of the Yakuza, the economic situation was a major contributory factor since most of the groups comprised people that were involved in [...]
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2105

Individual and Class Characteristics of Physical Evidence

The collection of physical evidence through a comprehensive assessment of the crime scene and analysis of forensic evidence is of immense importance by virtue of being the initial step towards the preservation of the forensic [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1408

Social Learning Theory and juvenile delinquency

The empirical studies of the Social Learning Theory on juvenile delinquency helps to provide an insight on the past, present as well as the future of criminology i.e.the study sheds light on the future directions [...]
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1979

Motivation in Police Department

This is because most of the time those in supervisory levels in the various workplaces do not know how to effectively communicate with their employees, intending to encourage them to work to reach the goals [...]
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1639

Infamous Crimes: Laci Peterson’s Murder

Even during the war in Iraq, the search for her and the ultimate arrest of Scott Peterson led the news. Her cell phone and purse were still in the house, and a neighbor said she [...]
  • Pages: 15
  • Words: 4146

The Zodiac Killer: History and Profile

The stories about the murders committed by the Zodiac maniac are numerous. Opinions differ in estimating the number of victims at the hands of the serial killer.
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1734

Victimology in the Case of Sarah Lawrence

The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between the notions of criminology and victimology, examine the Sellin and Wolfgang's victim typology, and apply this knowledge to the case of Sarah Lawrence college.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1230

Investigation and Processing of Evidence

Associative evidence refers to any physical evidence that links a suspect to the scene of a crime. In summary; associative evidence is used to determine the perpetrators of crime.
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 318

Logical Fallacies in Criminal Justice

The misrepresentation of the original argument is not taken into account, and the key objective of this fallacy is to confuse the opponent and form one's opinion on the wrong argument.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 594

Polygraph Testing

The fundamental idea of using the polygraph is to detect lies. Additionally, the survey also shows that it is a quicker means of selection.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 809

The Crimes of Charles Manson, Serial Killer

Even though his people did it himself, he was not involved in this, and the organization of a particular group of people is not in itself an immoral act but is prohibited in some places.
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 287

The Concept of Biosocial Theory in Criminology

Another contributing element, in this respect, proved to be the fact that as time went on, there has been more and more scientifically sound evidence accumulated in support of the idea that there is indeed [...]
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  • Words: 3319

Murder of Jabrill Mara by Charncey Daniels

First, the retributive theory is a mode of punishment for an offender who breaks the law, and justice requires that a guilty person suffers for the crime they commit with a punishment that is proportional [...]
  • Pages: 12
  • Words: 3366

Parole as an Incentive to Control Inmate Behavior

It can be considered as offering freedom to inmates after the acknowledgment of their change in behavior within the prison premises and they are subjected to serve their remaining term outside the prison.
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2239

Organic vs. Inorganic in Criminology

A wound as organic trace evidence is used as one of the first clues about the crime of which when cleaned and examined through, the morgue vivid information will be obtained by the medical examiner.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 615

Shawangunk Correctional Facility

The prison is aimed to help people to understand the badness of their actions and to improve. As it was already mentioned, the prison is impossible to escape from, in spite of the fact that [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 603

Homicide in Butte County, California

The trend line shows an increase in the homicide rate: The above chart shows California's homicide as compared to the national homicide from 1998 2003.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1001

Emile Durkheim’s Theory of Functionalism

A change in any part is seen as leading to a certain degree of imbalance, which in turn results in changes in other parts of the system and, to some extent, to a reorganization of [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 967

Cybercrime and Cyber-Related Crimes

The introduction of computer technology has created room for cyber crimes and cyber related crimes that have caused many people pain and losses to the society.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 583

Importance of Neighborhood Watch Programs

The topic of the given paper is the importance of neighborhood watch programs. With increased crime activity in the area, people are more inclined to experience fear and lack of protection.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1423

Aileen Wuornos: The Serial Killer

After four years since the birth of Aileen, her mother abandoned the family, leaving the girl and her brother with their maternal grandparents, whom the girl considered her birth parents.
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  • Words: 930

Hypotheses and Theories of Cybercrime

For instance, on the Internet, it is much easier to bully and harass people with impunity due to the distance that separates the offender and victim.
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  • Words: 912

Criminal Profiling: The Key Aspects

Criminal profiling refers to the technique of observing and analyzing the behavioral patterns of a crime so as to assist the investigators come up with a descriptive template of the offender.
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1995

The Theoretical Motivations for Serial Killings

In order to theorize on the motivation of serial killers, it is obligatory to define the scope of the study. Practically, the most persistent barrier to the utter understanding of the motivation of a serial [...]
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2301

Ted Bundy, an American Serial Killer

He was part of the team that worked in the campaign of the Republican governor of Washington, who later rewarded him with a recommendation letter.
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1488

Psychologists’ Role in Criminal Justice

In addition to research, the accumulation, and application of knowledge, psychologists can also participate in assessing the effectiveness of legislation. In this setting, basic scientists conduct theoretical research on the effectiveness of police and court [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 635

Crime Laboratories: Accreditation and Certification

S, the four major accrediting bodies include the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board, the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, Forensic Quality Services, and the American Board of Forensic Toxicology, though each body [...]
  • Pages: 10
  • Words: 1370

The Case of Hernando Washington’s Trial

The article gives a detailed account of the case and the outcome of Hernando Washington's trial. Lisa McIntyre does not attempt to justify the actions of Hernando Washington; instead she is more concerned with the [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 824

The Zodiac Killer and Related Criminal Theories

Some of the theories that can explain the killings are the classical and neoclassical theories. In relation to the Zodiac Killer, the cryptograms, and letters to the newspapers written by the killer could be an [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 592

The Social Disorganization Theory by Shaw and McKay

The Criminal Justice system in the United States consists of three major parts namely the police, the corrections, and the courts, all of which tend to have their historical roots and influences from English Law [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1438

Role of Sadistic Fantasy in Sexual Murder

This paper discusses the role of sadism and sadistic fantasy in sexual murders, with a view to clearly illuminate the psychological and criminal factors that come into play to drive individuals with sadistic fantasies into [...]
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 2082

Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice System

This essay is intended to explain the meaning of forensic science in the criminal justice system and to explore the evolution of methods introduced by such figures as Sir Francis Galton and Dr.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1221

What Is Stalking?

In many cases, the act is committed by somebody that knows the victim, often intimately. Visiting the victim's work or hanging by their house or school, in order to facilitate unwanted contact.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 678

Statistics in Criminal Justice and Criminology

The author's primary argument refers to the importance of averages and data distribution types for criminology researchers and practitioners. To conclude, the information provided in the chapter is essential for understanding the measures of central [...]
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 299

Chris Watts and His Murder Crimes

Watts pleaded guilty to the killings of his children and wife. Watts concluded the interview by saying he was sorry and repented for his actions after seeking refuge in God.
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1755

Benefits of Racial Profiling

The objective of the essay is to explore the pros of racial profiling and offer argumentative support on the same. From a proponent perspective and as a strong supporter of racial profiling, I am of [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 840

Techniques of Neutralization in Criminal Procedures

The idea behind the formulation of the techniques of neutralization came from the differential association theory. In the article, Scully and Marolla were trying to put to practice the concept of techniques of neutralization.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1111

Criminology Models Overview and Analysis

This model approaches crime by assuming that the best treatment for any crime is treating the causative factors associated with the crime. According to this model, the reason for the increased crime rate is due [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 625

Fingerprint Detection Techniques of Personal Identification

Research areas include a generalized approach to the detection and enhancement of fingerprints and the role of optical techniques. If fingerprints have been obtained through either chemical or physical processes, they are enhanced by appropriate [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1578

Positivist School of Criminology

Siegel states that: "Cesare Lombroso, an Italian prison doctor working in the late 19th century and sometimes regarded as the "father" of criminology, was one of the largest contributors to biological positivism and founder of [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 600

Gender Factors of Crime in Campus

Occurrence of violence in campus usually puts the media in a dilemma because of the perceived impact that the information would have on students, their perception and fear while in school.
  • Pages: 10
  • Words: 2846

Stereotyping Individuals in the Criminal Justice System

Cultural Deviance theory is based upon two other theories, which are: Social Disorganization Theory Strain Theory Social disorganization theory focuses on the environment and places it as the main reason for crime.
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  • Words: 1391

Criminal Behavior and Environmental Influences

Upbringing and childhood experience, especially if it was adverse, are some of the primary sources of influence on the offender's behaviors, habits, trends, and patterns. The negative and hostile social environment is also capable of [...]
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 305

Criminology Theory Application

One of the reasons for the selection of this theory is that it looks into the influence of crime through poverty in the urban cities such as in Canada and the people who undertake criminal [...]
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1208

Different Theories of Victimization

However, the social ecology of crime and its effect on the victims can be analyzed from the standpoint of the different theories of victimization in order to anticipate and limit the possible negative outcomes for [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 604

Why Do Women Kill? The Causations of Women Who Murder

A meta-analysis of 14 studies on women violence done by Honkatukia also found no substantial evidence linking the feminist and liberation movements to a rise in the share of violent offending and homicide perpetrated by [...]
  • Pages: 10
  • Words: 2978

Crime and Delinquency, Eric Smith’s Case

Thus the psychological problems that smith developed were due to the experiences he had gone through the courtesy of his bright red hair, freckles, and speech problems.
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  • Words: 1359

Understanding of Deviance in Media

Despite Shameless being all-age encompassing when displaying non-conventional behavior, its display of youth attempts to present their debauchery and non-conformism in a dual light through the creation of an empathetic narrative.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1122

Digital Forensics: Open Source Tools

The National Software Reference Library is a project at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the primary goals of which are to store all existing software, file profiles, and file signatures and to provide [...]
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  • Words: 534

Giving Ex-Offenders a Second Chance

This is due to the potential danger that a newly released convict would have on their business in the form of possible thefts or property damage.
  • Pages: 13
  • Words: 3701

Prison Life, Recidivism and Reintegration

The purpose of prison is to assist in reducing the rate of offenses committed in society and lessen daily crimes. In Canada, the Circle of Support and Accountability concept uses a team of skilled volunteers [...]
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  • Words: 901

Prison System in England and Wales

The prison system in England and Wales is in crisis because of different constituents, which leads to the deterioration of the prison system.
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  • Words: 3130

Crime Control and Prevention Methods

In addition to notations that are usually tiresome for schoolchildren, police officers who specialize in working with minors can show movies about the dangers of drinking alcohol.
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  • Words: 332

Crime of Extortion and Potential Defense

The criminal act element characteristically implies obtaining property of another by using a threat to cause harm to the victim. The threat may be related to the victim's health, to property, to the victim's reputation.
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  • Words: 344

Major Crimes Committed by Women

The most common reasons for the top crimes committed by women are the convergence of gender roles, the increase in financial pressures for women in households, and the leniency of the criminal justice system towards [...]
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 349

Actus Reus in Criminology

The prerequisites of actus reus vary based on the crime definition and rely on place, individual, victim's state of mind, preparation, time, and consent.
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 350

US Prison Reformatory Reforms Analysis

The reform agenda that was started in the 1700s saw the creation of prisons as a departure from hanging of offenders, to cruel punishment, to manual labor, to rehabilitation and to current reforms that continue [...]
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1121

Police Performance and Measurement

The diverse array of citizens requires police to be constantly trained on how to handle the individuals in the society. Lastly, the unclear mandate of the police has been an impediment to the work done [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 391
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