How does the consensus perspective differ from the pluralist perspective?

What will be an ideal response?


The consensus perspective holds that laws should be enacted to criminalize certain behaviors when members of society agree that such laws are necessary. This perspective is best applied to homogeneous societies which have shared norms, values, and belief systems. The U.S. is a very multicultural and diverse society and it is extremely difficult to achieve a shared consensus on what should be crime.

The pluralist perspective, on the other hand, recognizes the importance of diversity in society and holds that behaviors are criminalized through a political process, only after considerable debate over the appropriate course of action. This process creates legislation, although additional appellate court action may be needed to interpret the laws passed by the legislature.

Criminal Justice

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University Settlement was a:

A) maximum-security prison. B) private facility in New York to provide job referral services to probationers. C) large Massachusetts jail. D) public house of punishment for juvenile delinquents.

Criminal Justice

Which of the following searches should be considered constitutional after a search incident to arrest of the driver of a car?

A) A search of a gym bag sitting on the back seat B) A search of a locked box sitting on the front passenger seat C) A search of an unlocked toolbox in the trunk D) A search of the pockets of a jacket in the trunk

Criminal Justice

John is driving his sports car at 110 miles an hour in a 45 mile per hour speed zone. The roadway is a windy and hilly rural two-lane road. The sports car tops a hill just as a farmer pulling a wagon with a tractor is crossing the road just beyond the crest of the hill. John is unable to avoid the tractor and crashes into it. The farmer is killed instantly as is a farmhand who is riding on the trailer. Under Texas law, the most serious offense John has committed is:

A) no offense because the deaths were an accident. B) capital murder because he killed two individuals in the same incident. C) manslaughter because operating the automobile at such a high speed under those road conditions constitutes reckless behavior. D) murder because at high speed an automobile is considered a deadly weapon.

Criminal Justice

Physical abuse may be accomplished by the use of sex

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice