Application of Criminological Theory Case Study

Application of Criminological Theory - Case Study Example On my part, I would have opted to expel Robert immediately. However, my background in criminology prevents me from doing so. Theories of criminology are like lenses of different shades, sizes, and colors. They allow professionals and practitioners to look at an issue with a wider perspective. This is what I am obliged to do. I will consult the different applicable theories, compare and contrast their approaches, and finally I will state my decision in this hypothetical situation. In many ways, some of these theories contradict each other. Sometimes, they complement each other. Nevertheless, these should be thoroughly studied so that growth in knowledge can be attained. And, it is true: criminology can really be applied to many situations; it is not just a course for would be police officers or Crime Scene Investigation people. Strain is the pressure on disadvantaged minority groups and the lower urban populous to take advantage of any effective available means to income and success that they can find even if these means are illegal (Akers, 2000, in Collins, n.d.). With this theory, perhaps, Robert's disadvantaged origins game him a social stigma. Perhaps, I should look whether this student he beat up had previous mischief done to Robert, Robert just kept quiet, and he retaliated because he does not trust his teachers. But this is insufficient in itself. After all, this is just a hypothesis, and I must verify this later. Classical School of Criminology The classical school simply states that criminal behavior arises from the animal side of us. Humans are rational, but they usually act with their self-interest in mind. Consequently, if people are informed of the consequences of certain actions, they will avoid doing it. Thus, the concept of deterrence arises from the Classical School. Deterrence means a crime can be avoided by making sure that people are aware that punishment for a certain crime is so severe that doing it is not really worth it. (The Classical School, 1998). Perhaps, Robert is not really aware of the consequences of such anti-social behavior. If so, I will consider emphasizing to the students the consequences of such behavior. My would-be initial reaction would not be a far-fetched choice after-all. If this theory were to be followed, the school must punish Robert so severely so that no other student, privileged or not, will ever consider doing such behavior in the future. Also, in such event, I will review whether the disciplinary system is outdated and ineffective. I will form a committee to draft a new set of disciplinary rules, if such conclusions are also reached in an investigation. William Sheldon: Body Shapes Simply put, certain features of the body are determinants of criminal behavior. In particular, criminals usually have big, athletic, or overweight bodies. However, this theory is put in doubt. Some theories say that instead of Sheldon's somatype, it should be body mass index. (Maddan, S., Walker, J., and Miller, J., 2008) But this theory is not applicable since Robert is not really that huge or overweight or athletic. He is just an average guy, if you do not know