Rutgers University Human Trafficking Case Study
Description
- Description of the Crime: Select a crime that you are interested in such as human trafficking, terrorism, robbery, domestic violence, etc. It is recommended that you avoid broad categories of crime such as violent crime or property crime and find some way to narrow the topic. Once you have decided on the scope of crimes that you want to explain, you should define and describe the criminal behavior, but more importantly, discuss the correlates and behavioral patterns of the crime.
- Theoretical Analysis: To explain the criminal behavior that you chose, you will select a theory or theories covered in class. You may also choose a theory that you find in your literature review. Briefly present the core elements of the theory, its primary antecedents and (in more detail) its application to the problem. Offer empirical evidence that supports this application, if available. Some helpful tips on what to include here:
- What are the assumptions of human nature on which your theory is based? (For example, free will vs. determinism)
- What are the important concepts and how are they defined?
- What are the relationships between the concepts? How is crime caused by these relationships?
- What have studies found? Is there research to support the theory, specifically with regard to your chosen crime?
- Implications for Policy: Describe the primary policy/practice implications that emerge from the application of this theory to this problem. Through your discussion, make sure you provide linkages between theory and policy. What forms of formal or informal control are likely to be effective in addressing the crime problem? For example, would harsh punishment be more effective than rehabilitation for armed robbers? Why? Your policy implications must be logical.
