Читать книгу Criminology For Dummies - Steven Briggs - Страница 104

Why does a man strangle his spouse? Why does a woman shake her infant son until he dies? Why does a street gang member unload a clip into the home of a rival gang member?

Although the specific reasons why people commit crimes of violence vary from case to case, criminologists study potential underlying causes with the hope that they may be able to reduce the amount of violence in society. Keep in mind that these studies aren’t just academic exercises; policymakers base significant policy decisions on the conclusions that criminologists make from their studies. For example, does lengthening prison sentences deter some violent offenders from committing crimes? The answer to that question can lead to changes in the way judges hand down sentences. And do early family-intervention programs for juvenile delinquents help turn juveniles away from violent crime? The answer to that question can influence how much government money is or isn’t funneled into such prevention programs.

There are at least five key factors that may play a part in someone’s decision to engage in violence. I discuss these five factors in this section:

 Drugs and alcohol

 Family troubles

 Mental illness

 Society

 Personal choices