Dysfunction and Crime

Reflect on the concept of trajectory theory. Provide a fictional story of the trajectory that might lead an adolescent into crime and criminality. (1 page).

Reflect on Criminology in Action (in textbook) reading and answer the question

Read over the Criminology in Action section. Consider Laub and Samson's work on persistence and desistance. Why does delinquency end? Can people turn their lives around? Consider the story you wrote for question 1...what might make the difference? (1 page)

Reflect on chapter and answer question

Reflecting on the whole chapter, imagine that your little brother is caught shoplifting. He is sent to family court. The judge believes that he has low self-control and that he will continue to commit crime. The judge wants to sentence him to a juvenile detention center until he is 18 years old. What if you were allowed to make an argument for your brother? What would you argue to convince the judge that your little brother will not continue to commit crimes? What theory would best inform your argument (1 page).