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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 6 page paper. The paper begins with an historical overview of how crime has been perceived, specifically, the causes of crime, including early demonic theories. The paper explains the three most common criminological theories. Empiricism is defined and explained. The paper also discusses the need for empirical data to support knowledge gained through senses. Deductive and inductive reasoning are discussed as part of that process. Examples are provided. Bibliography lists 9 sources
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6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: ME12_PG688092.rtf
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theories. Empiricism is defined and explained. The paper also discusses the need for empirical data to support knowledge gained through senses. Deductive and inductive reasoning are discussed as part of
that process. Examples are provided. Empiricism in Criminal Justice Theories related to crime have always existed. In Western philosophy and history, there were many centuries when the demonic
theory explained crime. It was believed that demonic supernatural forces caused criminal behavior. The devil or some other god or spirit made people commit crimes (Vito, Maahs and Holmes, 2007).
This resulted in tribes making sacrifices to the gods they thought must have been insulted. During the Middle Ages, from the 13th through the 17th centuries, people who committed crimes
were thought to be witches and burned at the stake. Interrogation was brutal and used torture to determine guilt or innocence, e.g., they would hold a person under water and
if they were innocent God would save them (Vito, Maahs and Holmes, 2007). These theories and practices originating in Europe were brought to the American colonies and were in practice
even into the 18th century. There are at least thirteen types of criminological theory although there are only three that are considered to be mainstream theories. Those three are strain
theory, control theory and learning theory. The oldest which focuses on biochemistry dates back to 1876 and the newest groups of left realism, peacemaking, feminist and postmodern, were all developed
in the last couple of decades (OConnor, 2010). Strain theories propose that an inability to achieve economic goals causes crime. Control theories propose that it is socialization and low self-control
that causes crime; Learning theory proposes that the criminal learns the behavior from imitating others and because they are reinforced for the behaviors (OConnor, 2010). The thing about a theory
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