Describe the American experience with crime during the last half century. What noteworthy criminal incidents or activities can you identify during that time, and what social and economic conditions might have produced them?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In the 1960s and 1970s, during the civil rights era, there was a strong emphasis on individual rights. The civil rights movement emphasized equality of opportunity and respect for individuals regardless of race, color, creed, gender or personal attributes. This period also saw a dramatic increase in reported crime and the development of many theories to explain this leap in observed criminality. In the mid-1980s, a dramatic increase in the sale and use of illicit drugs also contributed to increased crime and led to the "war on drugs." By the 1990s, there was a growing emphasis on individual accountability and a "get tough on crime" attitude. The events of September 11, 2001 led to a more proactive posture and more global approach in the fight against terrorism. Corporate and white collar crime became seen as a serious threat to the American way of life and contributed to an increased emphsis on holding business executives accountable for their actions.