Criminology term papers allow you to demonstrate that you know how to apply the theories that you have been exposed to over the whole semester. You should pick subject matter that showcases your grasp of the field, and takes advantage of any personal areas of expertise or experience. Being interested in your subject transforms the writing of a criminology term paper from a misery to a challenging, exciting puzzle. Here are some ideas.
Criminology, in summary, studies all aspects of crime. You should be able to find something that compels you among them all.
Here are some informal categories, ideas, and links to get you started thinking:
How crime is defined (this borders on law, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology), for example:
- Can sharia law be accommodated in a secular society? http://ursulasmartt.com/
Why people commit crime (this draws on research in sociology, psychology, biology, genetics, and environmental design), for example:
- What is the relationship between childhood behaviour and adult criminality? http://criminology.fsu.edu/
- Are there genetic bases for criminality? http://justice4victims.org/
How to determine who has perpetrated a crime (this uses chemistry, (micro)biology, materials science, ballistics, archaeology):
- Identifying the source of bioterrorism http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Determining degree of culpability on competency grounds
http://ps.psychiatryonline.org/
How to deter people from committing crimes (this issue draws on research on incarceration, childhood intervention, education, environmental design, social services), for example:
- What impact do childhood social networks have on adult criminal behaviour?
http://brewright.com/ - How effective are traditional models of deterrence?
http://www.ppge.ufrgs.br/
Go local!
Another strategy for topic selection for Criminology term papers is to analyse a problem in your home or college community using the tools with which your course has equipped you. Contact the law enforcement personnel or the local judiciary regarding some problem that you observe. For example:
- Theft of bicycles
- Break-ins to student housing
- Date rape
- Vandalism
Collect information from your local police or the police blotter section of local newspapers. Based on this data and any interviews you can conduct:
- Document the incidence of one type of criminal behaviour,
- Describe efforts made to date to deal with it,
- Suggest reasons for any changes in incidence,
- Propose alternatives to prevent such behaviour in the future.
Observe the rules! Remember, even an informative chat with the local constabulary must be properly cited and included in the bibliography of your term paper in Criminology.
