Read the newspaper article and then explain how different criminological theories or theorists would explain the criminal episode
This exam has 2 questions – each based on a newspaper article. You will read the newspaper article and then explain how different criminological theories/theorists would explain the criminal episode. You need to choose 1 theory from the classical school (Chapters 2-3), 1 theory from the positive/biosocial school (Chapters 4-5*), and 1 theory from the social process/learning school (Chapter 8).
Question 1 (worth 10 points):
Read the Tampa Bay Times article “Nikolas Cruz’s birth mom had a violent, criminal past. Could it help keep him off Death Row?” then in 3-4 pages (750-1300 words) choose the BEST theory from the classical school, the positive/biosocial school, and the social process/social learning
schools to explain Cruz’s crime (he was the mass shooter who killed 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida). In your answer you need to:
- Explain key elements for each of the theories (each theoretical explanation is worth 2 points each, for a total of 6 points)
- Use examples from the article to explain Cruz’s crime (the examples are worth 2 points – you should tailor the examples to the specific theories you are discussing)
- In your conclusion paragraph explain why you choose the 3 theories. Then explain which, of the 3 theories you detail, provides the best explanation for the crime. (worth 2 points)
Question 2 (worth 10 points):
Read the San Diego Union-Tribune article on “Twins’ paths diverge tragically” then in 3-4 pages (750-1300 words) choose the BEST theory from the classical school, the positive/biosocial school, and the social process/social learning schools to explain Jeen Han’s crime. Make sure
the theories you use in this answer are different from question 1. In your answer you need to:
- Explain key elements for each of the theories (each theoretical explanation is worth 2 points each, for a total of 6 points)
- Use examples from the article to explain Han’s crime (the examples are worth 2 points – you should tailor the examples to the specific theories you are discussing)
- In your conclusion paragraph explain why you choose the 3 theories. Then explain which, of the 3 theories you detail, provides the best explanation for the crime. (worth 2 points)
Answer preview for Read the newspaper article and then explain how different criminological theories or theorists would explain the criminal episode
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