Section Overview
This section delves into the crucial task of separating fact from fiction within the realm of criminology, emphasizing the detrimental impact of misconceptions and myths on criminal justice policies and the understanding of criminal behavior. Through a comprehensive examination of Professor Marcus Felson’s “Ten Fallacies about Crime” and additional criminological fallacies, the text challenges widespread but erroneous beliefs about crime and its causes. These fallacies range from the overestimation of policing effectiveness and the simplicity of deterrence through punishment to the oversimplification of criminal behavior’s causes, the stereotyping of criminals, and the flawed correlation between poverty and crime. By scrutinizing these misconceptions, the section aims to pave the way for more effective and informed criminal justice policies and practices, fostering a clearer and more accurate comprehension of crime and its multifaceted nature.
Section 1.2 Student Learning Outcomes
- SLO 1: Understand the distinction between myths and realities in criminal justice to promote informed policies.
- SLO 2: Recognize the complexity of criminal behavior beyond single-factor explanations.
- SLO 3: Appreciate the diversity among offenders, challenging homogeneous stereotypes.
- SLO 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of policing and deterrence in crime prevention strategies.
- SLO 5: Critically analyze the relationships between socio-economic factors and criminality.
Modification History File Created: 02/15/2024 Last Modified: 02/19/2024
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