Criminal Justice Theory Case Study

Criminal Justice Theory Case Study

No directly quoted material may be used in this project paper.

Resources should be summarized or paraphrased with appropriate in-text and Resource page citations.

Theory Case Study

The course materials present a number of criminological, sociological, and developmental theories that endeavor to explain delinquent behavior among juveniles. In this assignment, you will select a real-life, notorious crime committed by a juvenile. This may be a crime perpetrated by a juvenile many years ago, or a case that is still active and in current events. You will argue for one of the particular delinquency theories as the most appropriate explanation for the perpetrator’s actions.

Examples could include:

Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the shooters in the 1999 Columbine High School massacre

Lee Boyd Malvo, the juvenile half of the infamous Washington, D.C., snipers in 2002

Erik Menendez, age 17, murderer of his parents, assisted by his adult brother, Joseph Menendez, in 1989

the juvenile perpetrators (Eric Rivera, Jr., age 17; and Timothy Brown, age 16) involved in the home invasion and murder of Washington Redskins star player Sean Taylor in 2007

other juvenile offenders well-known at either the national or local level may be used with the prior approval of the instructor

The paper should include the following sections:

an introduction presenting an overview of the crime, including BRIEFLY the basic facts of what happened

an analysis in which you present how one particular criminological, sociological, or developmental theory best explains the perpetrator’s actions, and why

a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of that particular theory—how it is that the theory may fall short in explaining certain aspects of the crime. In light of this, discuss what other theory or combination of theories may better account for those particular aspects of the crime

concluding thoughts summarizing your research and analysis

All outside sources must adhere to APA citation format for both narrative/content citations and bibliography page.

Format Requirements

Paper should be a minimum of 1,250 words or about five FULL narrative pages

Double space

12 pt. font

1” margins

Use APA citations for all sources (outside references not required)

Include APA reference page (not included in word count)

Additionally –

• Create a cover page for your assignment (not included in word count)

Include your name

Course title and number

Project title

Topic selected

Date of submission