The scientific study of crime, criminals, and criminal behavior

An act or omission that violates criminal law and is punishable by the state

Behavior that violates social norms but may not be criminal

Focuses on free will, rational choice, and deterrence

Emphasizes biological, psychological, and social factors influencing criminal behavior

Genetics, brain structure, hormones, and neurotransmitters

Personality traits, psychopathy, learning theories (e.g., social learning theory)

Social disorganization, strain theory, social control theory, labeling theory

Crime is a product of neighborhood-level factors like poverty, instability, and lack of social cohesion

Crime results from the strain between culturally defined goals and the legitimate means to achieve them

Focuses on the factors that prevent individuals from committing crime, such as strong social bonds

Crime is a social construct; individuals become criminals through the process of being labeled as such

The system of institutions and processes responsible for enforcing criminal law

The legal rights afforded to individuals accused of crimes, ensuring fair treatment

Data on crime rates, types of crime, and offender characteristics

The study of victims of crime and their experiences

Crimes committed by individuals in positions of power and trust, often for financial gain

Criminal activities carried out by structured groups

Crimes committed using computers and the internet

The process of identifying behavioral patterns and characteristics of offenders based on crime scene evidence

The application of scientific methods to criminal investigations

The study of punishment, imprisonment, and rehabilitation