Assignment:
Theories and practice in the field of criminal justice are sometimes a challenge to connect, so as a result, the criminal justice field has focused on a result-driven model that prefers practical answers that provide results (arrests and convictions).
Please address the requirements below in a paper of 3 to 4 pages. Be sure to provide support or evidence that will enhance and empirically prove your response. Academic criminal justice articles or real-life criminal justice findings that are found in journals or other academic sources must be used in supporting your answers. Please use APA format for all cited sources, including your references page.
Describe the following sociological theories of crime:
- Social control theory
- Strain theory
- Differential association theory
- Neutralization theory
List the basic premises of each of the theories and how they differ from one another.
Discuss 1 strength and 1 weakness for each theory that is unique to that theory.
If the background of the offender is relevant to the theory being used to analyze the offender, then please discuss what background factors are relevant the theory.
Also, answer the following questions:
- Which of the 2 philosophies (classical or positivist) do you believe explains criminal behavior in a more complete manner?
- Why?
Your answer must be, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format.