Defining and Measuring Crime
Paper instructions:
** Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. – Do NOT apply if English is not your
first language **
Using the assigned readings (see bottom of instructions for links), Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, and the
film, A Time to Kill, write a reflective essay (825+ words) on how various philosophies define crime and how
differences in philosophy can influence the way that crime is quantified. In-text citations and reference page not
included in word count.
Address the following:
Identify how changes in the social and political climate can lead to modifications in the way governments
and individuals define crime.
Address the difficulties that arise when attempting to define and measure crime.
Discuss whether crime statistics reflect more about the individuals that are collecting the statistics or
the crimes and criminals.
Examine the various ways that crime