Classification of Crimes and Mediating Mechanisms
Criminology is one of the most trusted and serious spheres of society. This is due to the fact that this field investigates crimes, their causes, and appropriate penalties for committing an act prohibited by law. However, with a more detailed study of modern criminology, it is possible to identify some issues that are associated with its preventive effect on people. Thus, such a criminological issue as a classification of crimes requires special attention since it contributes to the identification of causes that help identify appropriate measures for the prevention and intervention of deviant behavior.
Before discussing the relationship between the causes of criminal behavior and its types, it is necessary to gain an understanding of what this classification is. First of all, it is worth noting that this division may vary for each state; however, felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions stand out as the main ones. Research stated that “lawmakers determine the category of a particular offense based on factors like the offense’s severity, the circumstances in which it took place, and the damage caused” (“Classification of criminal offenses,” n.d., para. 1). These characteristics contribute to determining the leading causes of the crime, the behavior of criminals and, thereby, the measures that can be taken to limit them.
Felonies are characterized as the most severe crimes, which consequently have the most serious penalties. They are often types that are considered to be the most dangerous to society and involve violence or serious harm to another person, such as for example murder, rape, or robbery. In most cases, these kinds of crimes are punished depending on their severity: these can be a prison sentence, fines, or probation. Furthermore, misdemeanors are less serious crimes but still pose a danger to individuals. In addition, they include a lower amount of violence and harm to people or property. Among this kind of criminal activity, simple assault and disorderly conduct can be distinguished. Most often, they carry up to one year in jail, but also, like felonies, they carry fines and other penalties. The last in the classification of crimes are infractions, which are minor offenses. They most often do not involve harm and violence towards people and harm property and can lead to a fine. Such crimes as infractions often include traffic violations, littering, or noise violations.
The causes of criminal behavior are one of the main concerns in the field of criminology. Multiple studies are conducted to determine preventive measures that will contribute to the timely identification of deviant characteristics that may later result in a crime. The study of classification also makes a significant contribution to understanding patterns and trends in criminal behavior. This information can help to implement targeted strategies to prevent such crimes, as well as gain an understanding of what causes them. As an example, cases can be cited when it is statistically proven that “exposure to family violence would increase adolescent involvement in violent behavior by fostering violent peer association, normative beliefs approving violence, and negative emotions” (Li et al., 2021, para. 32). The establishment of these cause-and-effect relationships is the primary outcome of the relationship between the study of the classification of crimes and the emergence of criminal behavior.
On the other hand, there is an opinion that the modern classification of crimes has several problems. Carter et al. (2021), in their scientific work, indicate that “the legitimacy of our existing systems of classification in correctional psychology need to be justified rather than simply assumed” (p. 2). The authors apply the theory of correctional psychology and emphasize that, at the moment, the classification of crimes is not take into account its fundamentals and postulates. Because of this, a situation arises when this system does not work on its full scope of application. Thus, it is also argued that the division of crimes into types is not “task-oriented” and is based on previously formed conceptually incompatible ones (Carter et al., 2021, p. 2). To adjust the existing system, it is necessary to revise such aspects as implementation, tasks, conceptual categories, and knowledge generation. This transformation will not only contribute to finding the most effective preventive measures but will also contribute to a more accurate determination of the causes of crimes. Moreover, it will focus on creating approaches that will create positive behavioral changes.
A theory that can be useful and make a valuable contribution to the study of the relationship between the classification of crimes and criminal behavior is social learning theory. Despite the fact that it is not associated with the field of criminology, it can provide assistance in recognizing and identifying the causes of deviant behavior and characteristics. The proposed theoretical approach is based on “considers how both environmental and cognitive factors interact to influence human learning and behavior” (Mcleod, 2023, para. 1). In addition, it is based on the concept that individuals learn by observing others and the consequences of their actions (Akers & Jennings, 2019). Thus, as in the example provided earlier, if a child is subjected to a violent relationship in the family, he or she perceives it as the norm. Therefore, in adulthood, individuals may develop criminal behavior in which they can perform violent actions toward others.
Another valuable aspect of social learning theory is drawing attention to the fact that reinforcement plays a leading role in the acquisition and maintenance of criminal behavior. For many people, this aspect of the aspect is seen as showing violence and criminal activity on television. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that psychologically unhealthy individuals are exposed to this effect, thus, this point cannot be generalized for the entire population. When classifying and determining the causes of criminal behavior, the study of environmental factors also benefits. This action will provide an understanding of the patterns that individuals observe and how this further affects exposure to deviant behavior and its adoption.
To draw the conclusion, it is important to note that criminal behavior is a primary concern for modern society. Examination of the classification of crimes is valuable for this area, as it provides an understanding of the leading causes of illegal behavior and preventive measures to limit it. Of particular help is the application of social learning theory, which indicates that individuals learn and model the behavior they observe in the society around them. This approach makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of the main causes and how punishment for criminal behavior can play an instructive and educational role for other people. On the other hand, some studies emphasize that the modern classification is imperfect and requires revision in order to become more task oriented.
References
Akers, R. L., & Jennings, W. G. (2019). The social learning theory of crime and deviance. Handbook on Crime and Deviance, 113-129. Web.
Carter, E., Ward, T., & Strauss-Hughes, A. (2021). The classification of crime and its related problems: A pluralistic approach. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 59. Web.
Classification of criminal offenses. (n.d.). Justia. Web.
Li, S. D., Xiong, R., Liang, M., Zhang, X., & Tang, W. (2021). Pathways from family violence to adolescent violence: Examining the mediating mechanisms. Frontier Psychology, 12. Web.
Mcleod, S. (2023). Albert Bandura’s social learning theory. Simply psychology. Web.