Sociology 201: Criminology

[drgrissom.livejournal.com]

It is exam day. Remember, exams constitute 30% of your final grade. Missing one will knock you down at least a letter grade. I hope your reviewed the first 25 questions of your study guide.

Take the exam

Once you have completed your exam, you are excused for the day, although the professor will be available for any questions you may have.

ASSIGNMENT FOR THURSDAY: Locate a person who is not a member of this class. Have them answer the following question.

Rate these crimes, from the man who deserves the greatest punishment, to the least:

• A rich man who kills another rich man for a large sum of money to provide more for his family (greed)
  
• A poor man who kills a rich man for a small sum of money to provide more for his family (perceived necessity)
  
• A man who kills another man because that man hurt a member of his family (retribution)
  
• A man who kills another man because he catches that man in bed with his wife (rage)
  
• A man who kills another man because they are from different sociological groups (prejudice)
  
• A man who kills another man for the enjoyment of killing (thrill)

Assume that all the men intended to kill their victims, understood their crimes, and there are no other mitigating factors. If the person you question believes they should all receive the same punishment (life in jail, execution, etc.) please ask them to rank them anyway if they would.

Report the results to the class on Thursday, and if you write additionally on your reactions to their answer you will receive extra credit.