Abstract
This paper describes the writer's perspective of criminological theory. It focuses on why people commit crimes and why people act the way that they do. It then describes the variables that the writer would consider and the methodologies he would use in order to evaluate his theory. The paper concludes that there are many theories that can assist in determining the reasons why things happen and there will be many more theories that will either agree or disagree with previous theorists.

From the Paper
"Criminological theories in my perspective are theories from various individuals who have experience or education in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, science or biology. This is due to being able to read people behaviors and understand the mindset of why individuals would commit crimes. I believe everyone who had a theory studied and observed different cultures, communities, and family parenting to get the proof he or she needed to show that their theory has some merit. "Then others tested the theory and either added or improved the findings by using more sufficient information through their research. In other words, criminological theory is the study of criminal thinking and criminal behavior. If criminological and theory is broken down, it gives the definitions of theory is a speculation or abstract thought or contemplation, an ideal of or belief about something arrived through speculation, and a scientific principle to explain phenomena (Webster's New World, 2002). Criminological is the sociological study of crime, criminals and punishment of criminals (Webster's New World, 2002)."

Tags:methodologies, prejudices, environment, delinquent

Abstract
This paper discusses the differences between disparities and discrimination within the court systems and criminal justice system as a whole. The paper defines the differences between discrimination and disparity and gives examples of how they have been used in the past in the United States. It particularly focuses on areas of race, women and juvenile justice.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discrimination v. Disparity: Definitions
Examples of Discrimination and Disparity
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The juvenile justice area of criminal justice is another area where disparities are seen. In an adult court, preferential treatment may be given to those who have jobs in terms of how they are sentenced. (Rivera, 2006). However, the goal of sentencing in juvenile justice is geared more toward rehabilitation rather than retribution. Therefore, the opposite case may be seen here in terms of how a juvenile maybe sentenced. By this what I mean is, let's say that two juveniles have committed the exact same crime except one juvenile has a stay at home parent and the other one has a single parent who is working one or more jobs. The juvenile with the stay at home parent maybe allowed to go home because the parent has stated and demonstrated that they have the ability to monitor the juvenile. The juvenile with the working parent may not be afforded the same option because of the fact that he or she is in fact working and does not have the same ability to monitor the juvenile."

Tags:courts, enforcement, minorities

Abstract
This paper reviews the horrific mining disaster that took place in a West Virginia mining town in 1972. Information regarding the loss of life and property is taken from Gerald Stern's book, "The Buffalo Creek Disaster: How the Survivors of One of the Worst Disasters in Coal-Mining History Brought Suit Against the Coal Company--And Won". The paper also looks at the negligence of the Buffalo Mining Company, which caused one of the worst man-made disasters in history and the legal case brought against them by survivors of the tragedy.

From the Paper
"A few days prior to February 26, 1972, rain fell almost continuously, which was typical for this time of year. Buffalo Mining officials, concerned about the condition of the highest dam, measured water levels every two hours the night of the twenty-fifth. Although a Pittston official in the area was alerted to the increasing danger, the residents of the hollow were not officially informed. The one positive about living in a small town is that news travels fast. So, despite the lack of warning from company officials, some residents discerned the danger and moved to higher ground. At 8:05 a.m., the dam collapsed and the water obliterated the other two impoundments. Approximately 132 million gallons of black, waste water hurried through the narrow Buffalo Creek concave."

Tags:pittston, buffalo, creek, black, water, released, dam, gob, mud, middle, fork

Abstract
With all the many advances in technology, there will most likely be issues that will affect policing in the future. How will new technologies affect the individual police officer? Will he have input about what technology is used? What about the management of police agencies? How will they respond to the issues of civil liability in the future? How do technological advances affect the community itself? Will they embrace it or reject it? This paper addresses these questions and provides answers to them.

From the Paper
"Police personal carry the utmost importance in departments, especially in larger departments. It seems now that everything now and way back when seems to be climbing gradually into the future. For the most part, larger departments appear to be tightening their grip on micromanagement. Supervisors are somewhat becoming ignorant to the fact of what their officers need."

Tags:future, management, police

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the merits of public and private prisons, identifying the challenges each sector faces and the relative merits of each approach to incarceration.

From the Paper
"A major shift in prison administration is the move made in many locales toward privatization described by the Alabama Policy Institute as a result of the dramatic increase in the number of individuals incarcerated ..."

Tags:prisons, privatization

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that until there is a united international criminal law and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to help stem international supply, drugs will continue to be a problem. The writer argues that drugs should be legalized and maintains that decriminalization could gain greater control. Further, the writer proposes various steps that need to be taken in order to combat the problem of drugs.


Outline:
Normalize the User, Not the Use?
AFP Initiatives Aimed at Curbing the Supply
Catching the Big Fish Doesn't Change the Diet
A Systematic Approach

From the Paper
"Often when we talk of decriminalization of drugs it sparks outrage and gives the impression that we will contribute to the expansion of drug culture to the point of them becoming as common in mainstream society as cigarettes. There is also the fear that those who are using drugs will continue their addiction and not receive help. But decriminalization is not a one-way street, and rather than a loss of control it is often aimed at gaining greater control. Instead of banning drugs, and going to war against drug use, time, resources and money should be spent on research, treatment and prevention. In order to do that we have to bring the affliction up to the surface rather than blindly fighting the underworld it stems from. In order to take a closer look, we have to give those who use drugs a closer look. Only then can we begin to alter their life-cycle which in turn will reduce the demand for drugs in our society. And only then can the drug trade fall by the waste side where it belongs."

Tags:drugs, illegal, drug, trade, illicit, drugs, ecstasy, amphetamines, legalize

Abstract
This paper looks at the normal/pathological debate about criminal offenders to try to conclude whether or not criminal offenders have underlying mental issues or just commit crimes based on their environment and lifestyles.

From the Paper
"The question of whether offenders are mad or bad and the normal/pathological debate is one that runs rife throughout not only the psychological community, but also society as a whole. To understand and decide whether or not offenders are mad or just plain bad, the defining of the terms "normal" and "pathological" and the basic outline of the debate is imperative. The psychological definition of pathological is to relate to, or manifest behaviors that are habitual, maladaptive and compulsive and on the other hand normal is defined as functioning in a natural manner, with no observable abnormalities (The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary: 2002). The basics of this debate in relation to criminal offenders is that genetics influence criminal behavior and therefore cause pathological behavior (Lefton, L.A:1979), that crime is a result of a disfunctioning biological systems involving physiological, biochemical, neurological and environmental factors, (Vold, Bernard and Snipes: ) and the theory that mental illness played a huge part in why criminals offend (Lefton, L.A:1979). On the other hand, moral development theorists view crime as normal and that a person's moral development will determine what crime they will commit and what excuses they will use for the crime (Thornton, D: 1987). However with a strong debate towards the relationship between pathological behavior and crime, there is no other possibility to consider than that individuals offend due to pathological influences and are in fact mad with deeper psychological roots, rather than just bad and a normal member of society."

Tags:mental, hospitals, compulsive, damaging, behaviour, multiple, murderers, developmental, years

Abstract
Police conduct and accountability continue to remain important ongoing issues for the reason that, regardless of how many commissions there may be to overlook conduct within the force, there will always be "rotten apples" that carry on conducting themselves in unaccepted and unethical ways. This paper discusses police conduct and accountability issues, with a focus on analyzing strategies designed to maximize ethical conduct and prevent corruption. The paper discusses everything from what types of corruption police are involved in, and how the organization can design strategies to prevent any further deviance from the force.

From the Paper
"Brutality is any type of excessive force or unjustified violence that takes place by an officer doing their work (Prenzler and Ransley: 2002). Not only does brutality include physical abuse, verbal abuse and threat making are also included under the heading of brutality. Normally it is a police officer's job to use a "reasonable" and "proportionate" amount of force when making arrests or stopping violent protests; it is when the violence or abuse becomes excessive does there become a problem, and ultimately a betrayal of trust against the community and the police force."

Tags:deviance, reform, ethics, misconduct

Abstract
Crime myths are a social phenomenon that act as the consensus' view on crime and the criminal justice system. These are prominently based on fiction however many variables combine to form the resulting myth. This paper discusses crime myths and myth makers, as well as the variables which form a crime myth. It looks at definitions of crime, current global trends, crime measurement and specific crime myths contrasted with crime facts. The paper makes use of a graph.

From the Paper
"Crime is a word not easily defined. It is an incredibly broad term that holds a variety of different meanings by a diversity of demographics (Israel 2003). Criminologists argue that no definition of crime can ever remain constant, as acts viewed as crime by a society differ over time (Israel 2003). Crime is becoming increasingly hard to measure, as opportunities to commit victimless crimes that are not as easily detected, increase with advancing technology and globalization (Graycar and Grabosky 2002: 23). However, the way crime is measured is dependant on the particular definition of crime held (Israel 2003). Different religions, ethnicities and ages hold different ideals on what crime actually involves (Israel 2003), and victims and police often have varying reactions to crime (Morgan 2003) For these and many other reasons, crime measurement is far from accurate."

Tags:stereotypes, drug, use, prostitution

Abstract
Many sexual predators have admitted that they cannot control their urges to sexually and violently abuse women and children. This paper advocates that more strict legislative measures are needed that would prevent vulnerable individuals from being raped, abused and possibly killed by essentially "incurable" predators. It puts forward the proposal that if people were assured a harsh punishment if they were to commit a crime, they would be less likely to be able to justify their criminal actions as being "worth the risk". It discusses the holes in current legislation and how offenders are often not required to undergo sex offender treatment or evaluation and they are released into the community without being forced to adhere to sex offender registration laws and evaluates Megan's law. Megan's Law refers to the series of laws introduced in New Jersey following the murder of seven year-old Megan Kanka who was kidnapped, raped and murdered by her neighbor, a twice convicted sex offender who had committed a similar crime only months before. It analyzes the increasing public awareness and concern about crime together with intense media focus on the issue.

From the Paper
"According to Princeton University professor John DeIulio, "almost half of the country's 671,000 parolees and probationers are caught committing serious new offenses within three years" (Feinsilber, 1997). Many sexual predators have admitted that they cannot control their urges to sexually and violently abuse women and children. For this reason we should not allow these dangerous criminals to terrorize our neighborhoods, schools and homes. It is therefore my contention that more strict legislative measures are needed that would prevent vulnerable individuals from being raped, abused and possibly killed by these essentially "incurable" predators."

Tags:child, deviants, law, legal, molesters, rapists, sexual, megan, criminals