Criminal Justice: Assignment 1

Instructions

In week 2, you learned about the various ways in which we are made aware of crime and the different strengths and weaknesses of each of these methods of gathering crime statistics.  You have also learned about how crime is defined can impact the overall perception and knowledge of crime. 

Directions: With the readings from week 1 and 2 in mind, answer each of the following questions.  Be sure to fully answer each part of every question. 

1.  Discuss the different views (I.e., interactionist, consensus, conflict) that influence how crime is defined.  Which do you think is the best definition and why?  Your “why” should be supported with facts. 

2.  Discuss two strengths and two weaknesses of each of the various measures of crime.  Which method do you think is best and why? 

3. Discuss two ways in which you think we can lessen the dark figure of crime. 

4.  Based on your answers to questions 1-3, propose a new way in which you think crime data should be collected. * note- this question involves critical thinking and should be your unique idea.  You should, however, use course material to back up your thoughts. 

 Format Directions: 

Typed, 12 point font, double spaced 

APA format style (Cover page, in text citations and references) 

This should NOT be in flowing prose- you should answer in 1, 2, 3, 4 format