Hamilton Jr week 2

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Marcus Hamilto Jr CCJS 100 6384 Devearl Royster Assignment 1
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. The interactionist perspective posits that the interpretation of deviant behavior reflects the preferences and judgments of persons who possess social power within a certain legal jurisdiction, such as the automotive industry. (Sanchez, S) The automotive industry employed assertive strategies to obtain backing for the new legislation, such as leveraging the news media to redirect responsibility for accidents from drivers to pedestrians, conducting awareness campaigns at nearby educational institutions to educate about the significance of avoiding roadways, and employing tactics of social disapproval by insinuating fault on individuals who are struck. ( Sanchez, S) The consensus perspective on crime portrays crimes as basic behaviors that are widely acknowledged to be extremely insulting or disappointing in most, if not all, aspects associated with society. Acts are not considered wrongdoings unless those precise actions are deemed illegal according to criminal law. The Conflict view perceives society as a heterogeneous collection of several groups, including owners, workers, affluent individuals, impoverished individuals, students, professionals, younger individuals, older individuals, and more. This perspective posits that the creation of laws is characterized by inconsistency. There are four categories of conflict: intrapersonal, intergroup, intrapersonal, and interpersonal. These four conflict types can be categorized into two overarching domains: internal and external conflict. Contrary to the consensus perspective, the conflict view suggests that the definitions of crime are influenced by individuals who possess wealth, power, and social status in society. Essentially, laws are formulated by a chosen assembly in the public sphere, and these laws serve to safeguard the interests of the privileged. Criminality influences the advantages of the ruling class and does not align with 'moral consensus'. The Consensus view is the most optimal definition since it ensures fair treatment for all members of society. The viewpoint that I strongly disagree with is the conflict view. No amount of consensus from a select few editors can supersede the will of the many who have worked together to establish these standards and guidelines. For instance, while a limited number of editors may agree to engage in edit warring, their actions do not supersede the collective agreement across the project to discourage edit warring. ( Sanchez, S) Similarly, a tiny subset of editors may desire to endorse an unverified hypothesis or provide personal details, but these actions are strictly prohibited. (Wikimedia Foundation) This is because, although many of us may not want to acknowledge or admit it, we all segregate ourselves based on factors such as classes, race, identities, and work titles. However, when it comes to the legal system, it should be impartial and unbiased. Unfortunately, I believe that it is not always the case. In my opinion, when an individual is standing before a judge or jury for a crime, only the facts should be taken into consideration, and nothing else. 2. Discuss two strengths and two weaknesses of each of the various measures of crime. Which method do you think is best and why?
Two advantages of the interactionist perspective are its economic viability and its ability to foster the development and progression of societal political ideologies. The two biggest problems with it are that it doesn't help everyone and that it stops the powerful from being able to make laws, which means they can't be held responsible for their actions. There are two notable benefits of the consensus perspective. Firstly, it has the potential to benefit a larger number of individuals and is expected to reflect the preferences of society more accurately. Secondly, it promotes moral values and the concept of justice. Adapting to changing circumstances can be challenging, and implementing a criminal revision based on consensus would imply that residing in a region where you hold dissenting views from the majority would not be possible. There are two drawbacks. The laws exhibit variability in their application to different individuals, which inherently results in an unjust and prejudiced system, thereby highlighting one of the shortcomings of the conflict view. Assuming the appropriate position when the "other side" has their rights disregarded is an asset. The consensus technique is considered the most effective because of its inherent fairness. More people will reap the benefits, and the power will ultimately rest with those who can convince the most people. 3. Discuss two ways in which you think we can lessen the dark figure of crime. The term "dark figure of crime" is employed by crime specialists and sociologists to describe the amount of unreported or undiscovered crimes, which raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of official crime data. Within a specific location and timeframe, certain crimes remain unreported to the police, while others are reported but not officially documented by law enforcement officials. According to Albert Biderman's thesis, the term "Dark Figure in crime" refers to incidents that meet certain criteria for classification as criminal but are not included in the statistical records of the agency providing the data utilized. In this instance, sociologists characterize the distinction between crimes that are committed and those that are reported and documented as 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. An alternative approach to gather crime data would involve utilizing social or other technology- driven techniques of collecting. Each year, an increasing number of firms are collecting data using online social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
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Aside from social media mining, which happens when people don't realize they're being watched. Crime data collecting should be conducted via online questionnaires as a substitute for traditional mailed surveys, which are infrequently returned or completed. Because social media is so widely used, gathering this data ought to be lot simpler and eventually more effective. Like how internet use has been used to gather data on public health incidents, it could offer a fresh perspective on public safety to the justice system when used to gather information about crimes. Reference: Sanchez, S. (n.d.-a). 1.4. Interactionist View . SOUCCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/ccj230/chapter/1-4-who-and-how-do-we- determine-what-becomes-a-law/ Sanchez, S. (n.d.-a). 1.5. consensus view and decriminalizing laws . SOUCCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/ccj230/chapter/1-5/ Sanchez, S. (n.d.-c). 2.1. dark or hidden figure of crime . SOUCCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/ccj230/chapter/2-1-dark-figure-of-crime-or- unreported-crime/ Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, October 30). What is consensus? Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_is_consensus%3F#:~:text=Consensus %20is%20a%20group%20discussion,can%20achieve%20at%20the%20time.