Discussion Question -Degrees of Murder

This week the main concentration will be on the various causes of violent crime.  One of the main questions criminologists attempt to answer is “why does a person become violent?”  Hereditary traits? Social factors? Instinct?  Video games?  You will undoubtedly find material to back all of these, and probably many other reasons.  One concept that seems to play out too often for coincidence is marginalization.  Marginalization is treating somebody (or a group) as not being worthy of being treated as an equal, and treating them as if they are insignificant.  Why is this such a problem?  When people feel marginalized, what are the expected feelings? Some of the most documented reactions are anger, fear, paranoia, and resentment (Syracuse University, n.d.).  When these feelings manifest themselves with no perceived realistic change on the horizon, people tend to lash out, often resulting in violent acts against others.  This process and linkage is another reason that we study criminology, so that we can look for patterns and seek alternatives for those who may feel marginalized.  This week’s assignments will open up new perspectives for the causes of violent crime, however this should not be looked at as a justification for violent action, but just an understanding of how things can go wrong.

One topic of debate that will become evident in the readings is should criminal law solve social problems?  By this I mean if you make the punishment for a crime severe enough, would this have a deterrent effect on that crime?  Or would the factors you will discover be so overwhelming that any punishment would not be effective?  Keep this thought in mind as you work on your assignments.

The discussion this week will have you look at the different degrees of homicide, and research the various elements that are legally needed for each degree.  As a unique addition, the discussion assignment will ask that you look at the different relationships that are known to occur during the various types of homicide.  This will give you a deeper understanding of why things happen as they do.  Be advised that the discussion also tasks you with choosing two types of homicide and give examples of each one in the form of a scenario.  The course outline provides a You Tube link that will assist you in formatting your response, please take advantage of that.

The written assignment this week brings us back to terra firma as far as criminal justice studies go.  Looking at crime and finding a way to curb it.  You will be tasked with critiquing a criminological theory explaining why homicides occur, and then discuss ways to decrease and control homicides in this country.  You are also responsible for discussing some of the factors of focus of the various sociological schools of crime causation that help explain why murder occurs.

During your assignments this week, I again want to express the importance of reading the entire assignment and understanding each expectation.  There has been a tendency to address some of the requirements in the work while neglecting others.  Please read the directions completely and make sure you address all aspects of the specific assignment.

In Chapter 10 of the primary text, Siegel discusses different forms of violent crimes; specifically, he discusses the different degrees and types of homicide (2015). After reading this chapter, discuss the different degrees of homicide and the elements needed for each degree, as well as the different murderous relationships. In addition, choose two types of homicide and provide examples of each in the form of a scenario. When responding to this discussion question, use terms associated with the study of crime and criminology. Please use the link to assist in guiding your discussion response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F1-5prOJDs (Links to an external site.).

Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length. Support your contentions with citations from the text and/or other scholarly sources. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses.

Please put  subject headings on this assignment!