Globalisation, green crime and state crime: key terms
12 terms. Say the definition out loud, tap to check, then say whether you knew it. Back to the topic
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Globalisation of crime
The spread of crime across national borders as a result of global networks of communication, travel and trade.
Exam tip Castells's global criminal economy. Give examples, such as drug trafficking or cybercrime.
Transnational organised crime
Crime carried out by groups operating across borders, such as people-trafficking networks.
Exam tip Glenny's McMafia. Links global inequality to crime.
Risk society
Beck's term for late modern society, which faces 'manufactured' risks created by human activity.
Exam tip Used to explain green crime and global risk.
Green crime
Crime against the environment, whether or not it breaks the law.
Exam tip White's definition. Distinguish primary and secondary green crime.
Primary green crime
Crime that directly harms the environment, such as air pollution or deforestation.
Exam tip South's types: air, water and species crime, and deforestation.
Secondary green crime
Crime that arises from breaking rules meant to prevent environmental damage.
Exam tip For example illegal dumping of toxic waste or state violence against green activists.
Green criminology
An approach that defines crime as any harm to the environment, not just illegal acts.
Exam tip Called transgressive criminology. Evaluate: the definition of harm is subjective.
Ecocentric view
The view that humans and the environment are interdependent, so harm to one harms the other.
Exam tip Contrast with the anthropocentric view, which sees nature as there for human use.
State crime
Illegal or harmful acts carried out by, or on behalf of, a state.
Exam tip Green and Ward's definition includes breaches of human rights. Give examples such as genocide or torture.
Crimes of obedience
Kelman and Hamilton's term for crimes carried out because those in authority ordered them.
Exam tip They name authorisation, routinisation and dehumanisation.
Techniques of neutralisation
Ways offenders justify their actions, such as denying responsibility or condemning the condemners.
Exam tip Sykes and Matza, applied to state crime by Cohen.
Human rights
Rights that belong to every person, such as freedom from torture.
Exam tip The Schwendingers argue crime should be defined as violation of human rights.
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