Assignment 1 Describing and Applying Victimization Theory

Due Week 4 and worth 150 points

Use the Internet and your textbook to research the criminological and victimization theories presented in the group lists below. Select two (2) criminological theories (Group 1), two (2) theories of victimization (Group 2), and fill in the chart below using the following instructions. You will be graded on four (4) theories in total (not including the pre-filled example):

Group 1 – Select two (2) of the following: Bio-social Theory; Psychological Theory; Social Structure Theory; Social Process Theory; Social Conflict Theory; Labeling Theory; or Developmental Theory.

Group 2 – Select two (2) of the following: Deviant Place Theory; Routine Activity Theory; Deviant Lifestyle Theory; or Victim Precipitation Theory.

1. Summarize the theory of victimization, describing its meaning and core concepts as it relates to the nature of crime.
2. Identify subcategories of the theory and describe each.
3. Apply the theory to one (1) real life example or scenario. Briefly explain why the theory applies to the example you identified.
4. Use at least three (3) quality academic resources as references, such as journal articles, newspapers, magazines, and publications from law enforcement associations. Note: Wikipedia, blogs and similar websites do not quality as quality academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Use the chart template located here.
• Be typed using Time New Roman font (size 12).
• Include a reference page. References in APA 6th Edition formatting should be written in Times New Roman 12 point, in alphabetical order, double-spaced, subsequent lines indented, title / journals italicized appropriately, etc.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Summarize and describe various theories of victimization as they relate to the nature of crime in democratic societies.
• Apply the core concepts understood in the theories of victimization to real life criminal cases and scenarios.
• Use technology and information resources to research victimization theories and criminal cases.
• Write clearly and concisely about criminal justice using proper writing mechanics and APA style conventions.

Note: This chart is just an example. Please use the Chart Template here to complete your assignment.

Victimization Theory

Summarize the theory of victimization, describing its meaning and core concepts as it relates to the nature of crime.

Identify subcategories of the theory and describe each. 

Apply the theory to one (1) real life example or scenario.  Briefly explain why the theory applies to the example you identified.

Rational Choice Theory

(This theory is completed for you as an example of how to complete the remaining theories)

According to this theory, crime is a matter of personal choice and the criminal makes a rational decision to commit the crime.

This view is that If a person is motivated, considers the choices, and they believe crime will benefit them without risk. (Siegel & Worrall, 2013, p. 45)

This view is that for the criminal, the profit outweighs the punishment.

One sub-category is the “Deterrence Theory” which aligns itself by indicating crime would not be a “rational choice” therefore not chosen if there was a strong enough fear of punishment, acting to deter the criminal activity. (Akers, 1990, p.2)

One real life case was that of Ariel Castro. This is the nationally televised case of a man who kidnapped and held three (3) women captive in his Cleveland, Ohio home for over 10 years, during which he physically and sexually assaulted, fathered a child and kept these young women captive until one managed to escape  2013. Castro pleaded guilty to 937 counts including murder, rape, and abduction, to avoid Ohio’s death penalty. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole + 1,000 years by Judge Russo, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland where the crimes were committed. After being in prison only 30 days in Franklin County, Castro hung himself in his prison cell, ending his own life. I believe it relates to rational choice theory, Castro made a calculated choice to kidnap the missing teens and commit these crimes for over a decade, while working and interacting in the community. His motivation for the benefit of committing these crimes over a decade was stronger than fear of getting punished.

References

AP (January 14, 2015) Death Penalty Is Option After All In Jodi Arias Case, Huffington Post retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/jodi-arias-death-penalty_n_6474884.html?utm_hp_ref=jodi-arias

Siegel, L. J.,& Worrall, J. L. (2013).Essentials of criminal justice (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

Click here to view the grading rubric for this assignment.