Question 1

Structural theorists consider it essential to demystify law and justice-that is, to unmask its true purpose.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

Empirical research confirms that, as predicted by critical criminology, a suspect's race is an important factor in shaping justice system decision making.

Accepted Answer

Empirical studies have consistently shown that race plays a significant role in shaping decision-making processes within the justice system, including factors such as police discretion, criminal charging, plea bargaining, sentencing, and parole decisions. Critical criminology highlights how systemic inequality and discrimination can perpetuate racial disparities in the justice system, and research supports these theoretical arguments.

Question 3

Contemporary critical criminologists try to explain crime within economic and social contexts and to express the connection between social class, crime, and social control.

Accepted Answer

Contemporary critical criminologists argue that crime cannot be simply explained by individual choices, but rather must be understood in relation to unequal power and economic structures in society. They explore the relationship between social class, crime, and social control, and argue that the criminal justice system often disproportionately targets and punishes those from marginalized backgrounds while ignoring or excusing the misconduct of more privileged individuals.

Question 4

Instrumentalists view criminal law and the criminal justice system solely as an instrument for controlling the poor, have-not members of society.

Accepted Answer

Instrumentalists believe that criminal law and the criminal justice system are used by the wealthy and powerful to control and oppress the poor and marginalized members of society. They argue that laws and policies are designed to maintain the existing power structures and perpetuate social inequality.

Question 5

Empirical research is considered incompatible with critical criminology.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. While critical criminology may place a greater emphasis on analyzing power structures and social inequalities, empirical research (using systematic observation or experimentation to collect data) is still a valuable tool in understanding crime and the criminal justice system. In fact, many critical criminologists conduct empirical research to support their arguments and challenge mainstream perspectives.

Question 6

According to the conflict view, crime is a political concept designed to protect the power and position of the upper classes at the expense of the poor.

Accepted Answer

The conflict view suggests that crime is not just a violation of the law, but also a political concept that is used by those in power to maintain their dominance over those who are less powerful, resulting in the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society, such as the poor, being disproportionately affected. The upper classes use their power to define what constitutes as a crime and to enforce laws that protect their interests, leaving the poor more susceptible to arrest, imprisonment, and other forms of punishment.

Question 7

According to the text, unemployed racial minorities may be perceived as "social dynamite" who present a real threat to society and must be controlled and incapacitated.

Accepted Answer

The text suggests that there is a perception among some that unemployed racial minorities may be seen as a threat and need to be controlled or incapacitated.

Question 8

According to research in the text by Shelley, globalization consists of two elements; electronic and state organized.

Accepted Answer

Globalization is often described as consisting of multiple elements beyond just electronic and state-organized components, including economic, cultural, technological, and political dimensions.

Question 9

Globalization has replaced imperialism and colonization as a new form of economic domination and oppression and now presents, according to critical thinkers, a threat to the world economy.

Accepted Answer

Globalization has been criticized for exploiting developing countries by creating a global economic system that benefits developed countries and multinational corporations. It is seen as a new form of economic domination and oppression, replacing the old imperial and colonial systems. Critical thinkers argue that this poses a threat to global economic stability and perpetuates global inequality.

Question 10

Critical criminologist who focuses on state (organized) crime contends that a government might go to war to support the capitalist classes who need the wealth and resources of other nations.

Accepted Answer

Critical criminologists argue that the state may engage in organized crime or state crime to support the interests of capitalists, including going to war to secure resources and wealth from other nations.

Question 11

Edward Snowden is most known for releasing information of the NSA's information collection program in which hundreds of millions of people worldwide fell victim to the U.S. illegal domestic and foreign surveillance activities.

Accepted Answer

Edward Snowden leaked information about the NSA's information collection program, which revealed that the agency engaged in illegal domestic and foreign surveillance activities affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Question 12

Left realists support a strict "law and order" philosophy, which has at its centerpiece a policy of punishing juveniles severely in adult court.

Accepted Answer

Left realists do not necessarily support a strict "law and order" philosophy and do not advocate for punishing juveniles severely in adult court. They believe in addressing the root causes of crime and implementing preventative measures to reduce crime rates.

Question 13

State-corporate crime is committed by individuals who abuse their state authority or who fail to exercise it when working with people and organizations in the private sector.

Accepted Answer

State-corporate crime refers to illegal or harmful actions that result from the collusion between state institutions and corporations or other private entities. It involves individuals who abuse their state authority (e.g. government officials, law enforcement officers) or who fail to exercise it (e.g. regulators, auditors) when working with private sector actors. This type of crime can take many forms, such as corruption, bribery, fraud, deception, environmental pollution, and human rights violations.

Question 14

The CIA has been known to send terror suspects to foreign prisons where they can be subjected to harsh interrogation tactics that are forbidden by the United States.

Accepted Answer

This is a well-documented practice known as extraordinary rendition, where the CIA transfers individuals suspected of terrorism to foreign countries where they may be subjected to torture or other forms of abuse during interrogation.

Question 15

Left realists are conflict scholars who view the police and the courts as inherent evil tools of capitalism whose tough tactics alienate the lower classes.

Accepted Answer

Left realists believe that the police and courts are necessary institutions for maintaining public order and controlling crime, but argue that their operations can be improved to be more accountable and responsive to the needs of marginalized communities. They do not view these institutions as inherently evil or tools of capitalism.

Question 16

It is illegal for the police to monitor people in public places with cameras and secretly record their activities.

Accepted Answer

It is generally legal for the police to monitor people in public places with cameras and record their activities without their knowledge, as long as it is not deemed an invasion of privacy. However, laws and regulations can vary by country and state.

Question 17

An example of state organized crime would be Japan's attack of China in order to secure wealth and resources which helped escalate World War II.

Accepted Answer

Japan's attack on China in the 1930s was an act of state-organized crime, as it was initiated and planned by the Japanese government in order to secure natural resources, including oil and rubber, and gain further economic power in Asia. This ultimately contributed to the escalation of World War II.

Question 18

Preemptive deterrence refers to efforts to prevent crime through community organization and youth involvement.

Accepted Answer

Preemptive deterrence focuses on prevention through community-based initiatives such as youth programs, mentoring, and civic engagement.

Question 19

Critical criminologists believe that economic growth benefits all elements of the population by spurring job creation and surplus value.

Accepted Answer

Critical criminologists believe that economic growth may benefit certain parts of the population but often reinforces inequality and the power of the ruling elite. They argue that economic growth under capitalism is usually achieved through exploitation of the working class and the environment, leading to social and environmental harms.

Question 20

Dropout factories consist of high schools in which the completion rate is consistently 40 percent or less.

Accepted Answer

Dropout factories are high schools with a completion rate of 40 percent or less.

Quiz 8: Social Conflict, Critical Criminology, and Restorative Justice