Week 3 Discussion - Applying Theory to Criminal Justice Events

Week 3

Discussion: Applying Theory to Criminal Justice Events

Criminological theories are systematic explanations for observed phenomena. That is, criminological theories rely upon either research experiments or real-life events to test their validity. In this course, you do not need to conduct full research experiments; but, you do need to conduct basic research and consume research done by others in order to effectively plan, prepare, and act upon real-life criminal justice events in your career. Theories also guide consumers of research in organizing concepts, developing strategies, and interpreting data; things you will utilize in other courses throughout this program of study.

Prepare for this Discussion by selecting a criminological theory and a particular criminal event or type of crime. Think about how this theory could be used to analyze the criminal event or type of crime.

(PLEASE USE A CURRENT EVENT OR TYPE OF CRIME FROM THE UNITED STATES)

Question 1:

• Identify the criminological theory and the criminal event/type of crime you selected.
• Explain how this criminological theory might be used to analyze the criminal event or type of crime you selected.
• Explain why you think this criminological theory is or is not appropriate for analyzing this criminal event or type of crime.
• Explain how this theory could be applied in order to prevent the criminal event/type of crime you selected.

Question 2: 

Considering international or domestic terrorism, what theory or theories do you think best explain terrorist behavior? Support your stance for your rationale.