What is the core assumption about human nature that informs control theories? What are some of the challenges of embracing this view?

What will be an ideal response?


Control theories assume people act in ways that will maximize their own pleasure and self-interest. This implies that behavior requires control and regulation. This idea can be connected to the classical school of criminology in which behaviors are seen as the result of a rational calculation that focuses on maximizing pleasure while minimizing pain. Although some control theorists concede a human’s natural impulses for pleasure inevitably conflict with society’s interests, laws are thought to represent a product of widespread agreement about what should be legal and illegal. Consequently, the control perspective assumes that there is a societal consensus as to what constitutes crime.

Criminal Justice

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The Association of American Railroads has been very active in an industry-wide effort to identify vulnerabilities and share information about threats.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice

In order to reduce the stigma surrounding the juvenile system, a juvenile would reach an adjustment. The comparable term in the adult justice system is ________.

A. plea bargain B. indictment C. trial D. sentence

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Alternative dispute resolution is a convenient way of:

A) avoiding the stigma of the criminal label. B) facilitating criminal court dockets. C) streamlining the justice process. D) All of the above.

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Which hypothesis is a possible explanation for own-race bias?

A. false alarm hypothesis B. differential experience hypothesis C. unconscious transfer hypothesis D. double-blind hypothesis

Criminal Justice