Describe the fields of criminology and criminal justice; provide some of their similarities and differences. Many theorists believe that criminology is becoming a greater part of criminal justice.

What are some of the ways in which the scientific methods used in criminology are also being used today in the fields of law enforcement, courts, and corrections?

Do you believe that these methods have made the field of criminology stronger or more complicated?

Consider the following scenario:

John and Jeff work together although they do not get along. They have regular fights and arguments on similar issues with John always being dishonest in terms of financial dealings. None of them calls upon the police or the court as legitimate way of resolving the issue as both of them were deeply enmeshed in criminal ways of life. One day when they have a fight again, Jeff hits John on his head with a glass, causing John to be hospitalized for over a month.

Examine whether Jeff has committed a crime in the context of the following elements required to constitute a criminal act:

The concurrence and causation of a criminal act

Actus reus

Inchoate offenses

Mens rea

What are the legal definitions of these elements? How are acts that are not violations of the criminal law differentiated from acts that violate the criminal law? What would have the treatment of the above scenario in law if the crime had been committed by John instead of Jeff? Would it have changed the definition of crime? If so, how and why?

Sample Solution

J. R. McNeill compares humans in complex societies to ants. He says people are programed to be more like chimpanzees but that our culture tries to turn us into ants. This discussion is inserted into a description of complex societies, states, and cities—all of which began to emerge after human beings became sedentary and began to farm (chapter 3, page 73). [This is an example of informal citation.] ? Since about 3500 BCE, the history of humanity and of planet Earth has centered around increasing numbers of human beings living in urban societies that have grown to the point of modifying nearly 40% of dry land. By 5000 BCE trade and other connections (webs) had developed among early complex societies that would foster the continued spread and increasing complexity of human societies—and their damage to planet Earth. Essay Assignment: ? Topic = Compare and evaluate three important environmental impa​‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍​cts of humanity up to 5000 BCE. ? Write an essay of no less than 500 words that identifies, describes, and compares three significant environmental impacts of humanity as hunter-gatherers and in complex societies by 5000 BCE. Be sure to include: (1) why those impacts are significant; (2) the positive and negative aspects of those impacts in terms of health of people and the planet, and (3) conclusions as to what this history may forecast for the long-term welfare of humanity and the Earth. ? Your essay must use chapters 1-3 of Webs of Humanity as the source, citing chapter and page number in parentheses to verify information. ? Remember this is a history essay that combines information with interpretation. Avoid the double temptations of: (1) broad generalizations not backed up with relevant information; and (2) the mere listing of facts. A historical argument (a statement, claim, or interpretation) must be presented and supported with relevant and correct evidence related to your argu​‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍​ment.

Sample Solution