Key Concepts in Criminology and Criminal Behavior

Definitions and Concepts

1. Victim Impact Statement: Statements given by victims in court about the incident in which they were offended. These statements are considered in determining the sentence.
2. Identity Theft: Occurs when an individual obtains a false identity to commit identity fraud.
3. UCR (Uniform Crime Report): The annual report published by the FBI.
4. Socialization: The process through which people learn rules, morals, and values.
5. Limited Jurisdiction: When a court hears and decides cases within a specific area.
6. General Deterrence: A punishment given to an individual meant to prevent or deter offenders from criminal activity in the future.
7. Cybercrime: Crimes that are committed by electronic means.
8. Serial Killings: When someone kills single victims over time without a cooling period between the killings.
9. Child Pornography: Material that portrays children engaged in sexual acts.
10. Specific Deterrence: Punishments given to an individual to prevent or deter them from committing future crimes.
11. Ego: One of the three aspects of an individual's behavior, along with the id and superego.
12. Objectivity: Refers to being neutral, value-free, or unbiased.
13. Labeling Theory: Assumes that criminal behavior increases because individuals are labeled as offenders.
14. Money Laundering: A process where funds obtained through illicit activities are made to appear legitimate.
15. The Brain: Responsible for virtually every criminal act an individual commits.

True or False Statements

16. True: There is a strong connection between criminal behavior and exposure to lead.
17. True: The primary illegal activity of conflict gains is violence.
18. True: Binge drinking refers to an individual who drinks so much alcohol within a 2-hour period that it results in at least a .08 alcohol concentration.
19. False: Jails are often designated for individuals convicted of minor crimes, not major crimes.
20. False: Constructive drives refer to such things as aggression, destruction, and death.
21. True: Stereotyping is usually associated with racial prejudices and discrimination.
22. True: Mens rea is a concept regarding whether offenders actually knew what they were doing.
23. True: Genetics and environment influence behavior.
24. False: Sociopath refers to antisocial personalities due to social or family dysfunction, not psychopath.