C/S/38. A criminological critique of the opposition to boxing; criminological, historical, practical

This work takes a criminological look at the opposition to boxing. The argument that violence is an inevitable part of human culture is examined. The suggestion that boxing is similar to gladiatorial combat in Ancient Rome is dismissed, alongside side the argument that boxing is analogous to blood sports. Lastly the nature of barbarism is discussed and it is suggested that the debate has more to do with class values than a clash between right and wrong.

S/S/68. Death Penalty: The Execution of Saddam Hussein

This paper examines the death penalty in the context of the execution of Saddam Hussein. It begins with a background of the death penalty and a biography of Saddam Hussein. The pros of executing Hussein are detailed showing how it may act as a deterrent and may be seen as a form of retribution and punishment. The paper also looks from the other side, at capital punishment's arbitrariness, wrongful convictions, cruelty and ineffectiveness. The paper covers all the usual perspectives and attitudes to the death penalty, with a range of varying political, religious and personal opinions.

S/S/71. What difficulties confront the police in the investigation of a homicide? In what particular ways does the adversarial system of 'justice' impinge upon the effective investigation of serious crimes such as homicide?

This paper examined the difficulties that the UK Police encounter when investigating murder/homicide particularly where is no obvious subject. It further examined the effects that the adversarial system of justice has on investigating murder in the UK.

S/L/93. 'Without law there would be no order'. Discuss.

This paper examines the relationship between law and order by first highlighting the relative concept of order. It then continues by looking at the basis of social order and the role of law from different theoretical perspectives, i.e. conflict theorists, functionalists, Marxists and phenomenologists. It then illustrates that order without law is possible by looking at anarchist principle and anthropology studies. The paper ends with the difficult definition of law by naturalist theorist and positivism and how does it fit into the conception of order.

C/S/34. Research Methods: To evaluate whether replacing the Sure START initiative with local authority approach will have a positive or negative effect upon the development of criminal behaviour in North-East London over the next 20 years.

This research proposal deals with the evaluation of Sure Start initiative on a population in North East London. The proposal is based on studies on Sure Start programmes by the government and analyses its impact on the development of criminal behavior by using a cross sectional quasi experimental design on different groups of children and families in North east London.

P/S/138. Effects of child abuse: survey project

The paper examines long- term effects of child abuse discussing a project for a survey among UK adults to identify whether they suffered from physical, psychological or sexual abuse during their childhood and how it has affected them physically, socially and emotionally. The background of the research and the justifications for its funding are presented; the research methods are identified; the information to be sent to the funding body is outlined.

S/S/54. Outline why ‘recorded crime’ may not be an accurate reflection of the actual numbers of crimes that take place

This essay will show that actual crime figures are inconsistent with recorded crime. It will highlight how quantitative and qualitative evidence is used and show how these are used affecting statistics.

P/S/122. Gender aspects of crime and criminal justice

The paper examines the gender aspects of crime and criminal justice reviewing statistics of male/female offenders in England and Wales, and discussing the reasons why women commit fewer crimes and why they are treated differently from men by the criminal justice system.

C/S/21. Strategic Points for Anti- Corruption Activities

This report is about definitions and forms of corruption and strategies to tackle it. It will cover different intervening action points that a state can follow to beat corruption. In that last part role of civil society is highlighted with reference to there efforts for ant-corruption activities

P/S/87. Dissertation. Effectiveness of closed circuit television (CCTV) in crime reduction

The dissertation examines the use of the UK system of CCTV (closed circuit television) in crime investigation and prevention reporting on the CCTV scheme in Loughborough town centre. The review of literature touches upon the effectiveness of CCTV in crime reduction, public and police attitudes to CCTV, the role of retail radio operations, etc. Methods of direct data collection (questionnaires and semi-structured interviews) are combined with qualitative and quantitative analysis of secondary data. Conclusions are made about the effectiveness of the Loughborough CCTV scheme highlighting its successes and shortcomings.

C/S/17. Youth exposure to violence in South Africa. The reasons behind the phenomenon and the results

The study deals with the phenomenon of violence in general and also performs an analysis of this social phenomenon in South Africa. It begins by describing the ways though which violence is spread out in modern societies and further on it examines the exposure to violence of South African adolescents. Finally, the results from this exposure are stated, while some case studies on the phenomenon are mentioned. The report finishes by some simple suggestions for the prevention of violence in societies.

P/S/80. Hackers and cyber-terrorism

The paper examines the phenomenon of cyber-terrorism providing a review of literature on the definition, history and typology of the concept. The reasons behind the rise of cyber-terrorism are outlined; hackers activities are described; the effects of hacktivism and cyber-terrorism on the public, businesses and governments are discussed.

P/S/78. Sex offence: legislation and public attitudes

The paper examines public opinion with regard to sex offenders seeking to find the balance between the rights of offenders and the rights of the public. The implications of populist punitiveness are explored; the responsibility of the media in shaping one-sided views on sex offence is argued; legislation on sex abuse across countries is reviewed highlighting alternative methods of punishment.

S/S/41. Dissertation. Wealth defence in the UK: A consideration of the potential repercussions following an increase in the number of gated communities

This dissertation gives forethought to the potential ramifications of an increase in the number of gated communities in the UK. Numerous commentators in the US have asserted that the effects of gated communities are overwhelmingly negative (Blakely and Snyder, 1999; Low, 2003). Very little has been written on gated communities in the UK context but similar pessimism does exist among those who have taken an interest (Webster; 2001; Minton; 2002). Although Britain has a far less number of these gated enclaves, than the US, the chief objective of this dissertation was to establish that, Britain will witness, a multiplication of gated communities in the near future and that the effects on society will be dramatically deleterious. Evidence from a plethora of secondary sources was utilised in order to support this argument. These sources, particularly relevant theory and UK policy, were then critical analysed. The main findings of this research were that the number of gated communities in Britain is growing. Moreover, this is most likely due to increasing levels of social and economic polarisation. Gated communities are the physical manifestation of this trend. The wealthy (middle-upper-classes) are opting out of the public realm to protect their best interests (security, prestige, wealth etc) in these elitist enclaves. This has left those, who cannot afford to reside within these gated complexes, to contend with diminishing public space, decaying public services, and a skewed level civic responsibility. The government has failed to acknowledge this as a significant threat to British society and has made no adequate stand against ‘voluntary exclusion. Instead, it has disproportionately focused on the problems associated with concentrations of poverty and encouraged the public to protect themselves. As a consequence, barriers between the rich and poor in Britain are, more commonly taking physical form and intensifying the already unacceptable situation.

S/S/43. Is the Hungerford Massacre a Landmark Case?

This paper discusses whether or not the ‘Hungerford massacre is a ‘landmark case. The ‘ingredients for what makes a case so significant that it is etched into the publics memory are identified, by drawing on the work of numerous academics and theorists. These elements are then thoroughly analysed in the context of the tragic events at Hungerford. However, it is argued that this case has been overshadowed by the massacre at Dunblane school. The reasons for this are highlighted with particular attention paid to political activity at the time and amendments to gun laws.

S/S/42. A critical review of theoretical drug models and current policy

This paper is divided in to three, overlapping sections. The first is a critical analysis of the major theoretical models of drug misuse, and a discussion of its relevance to contemporary drug policy in the UK. Throughout, the connection between drug use and criminal behaviour is debated. The second section is a debate of the issues evoked by the statement: “punishment for ‘addicts who commit drug offences compounds their problems”. The theoretical models discussed in section one are referred to and discussed in context. Furthermore, there is an attempt to prove that prison is a self-defeating sanction for drug users, that unnecessarily causes further harm to drug users and that the distinction between criminals and drug users has been blurred. The final section highlights conclusions from a personal perspective, whilst providing some suggestions for future drug policy in the UK.

S/S/40. How communities respond to crime and disorder

This paper seeks to decipher how communities may respond (if at all) to incivilities, disorder and neighbourhood decline. Firstly, it examines the actual definition of ‘community and the idea that crime prevention is the responsibility of the public. Throughout, there is a critical analysis of different ways in which communities may choose to prevent crime. This is linked to the ideas put forward in Wilson and Kellings ‘broken windows thesis. The possibility that ‘communities, or the ideology of a community, may no longer exist in an increasingly, economically and socially, polarised Britain. Additionally, the effectiveness of community safety initiatives (e.g. neighbourhood watch) is questioned. A plethora of evidence is utilised throughout, to reinforce any arguments.

P/S/72. Economic aspects of alcohol related crime

The paper argues whether UK licensing reforms are likely to reduce violence associated with drinking. Spatial and temporal patterns of alcohol related crime are reviewed focusing on public disorders in town centers. The implications of the night time economy are discussed; the findings of a recent research study by the Central Cities Institute are related.

P/S/69. Criminal Behaviour

The paper addresses the issues of criminal responsibility in the UK in relation to the age of the offenders. The causes of criminal behaviour are examined including biological, psychological, societal and other factors. Individual cases that aroused controversy in court are discussed; various attitudes to punishment are identified.

P/S/55. Racial prejudices among the police

The paper addresses the problems of ethnic minorities in Great Britain. The concept of 'institutional racism' is defined with regards to racial prejudice among the police; the origins of police racism are outlined. An individual case related to the subject is analysed commenting on the reaction of the public to the police activities.

P/S/53. The origins of female criminality and prostitution

The paper seeks to explain the reasons for female criminality and prostitution offering an overview of the theories dealing with historical, social and legal issues related to the subject. These include feminist theory, labelling theory, left realist perspective, etc. The activities of Prostitute Outreach Workers (POW), i.e. the organisation that support those wishing to leave prostitution, are touched upon.

P/L/48. Dissertation. Compensation culture in the UK

The paper looks at a recent social phenomenon known in the UK as 'compensation culture' - a willingness of individuals to sue others. It relates to compensation claims that stem from the law of negligence. Types of compensation claims are outlined with the focus on personal injuries; background information about their legal aspects is provided with the focus on Conditional Fee Arrangements (CFA ) and After The Event (ATE) insurance. The paper reviews the actions of Claims Management and Accident Management Companies as well as those of the media and advertising in promoting compensation culture. The conclusions are drawn on the basis of statistical data and public questionnaires about the general change in attitude to claiming that is taking place in today's society. The positions of the government and local authorities are outlined. The case study of a fictitious MR.X is examined. The author compares the situation in Great Britain with that in the USA and makes forecasts about the future of the compensation culture in Britain and its impact on the insurance industry.

P/S/40. Social attitudes to petty criminals: labelling and forgiveness

The paper seeks to define to which extent labelling could cause deviant behaviour. The terms 'petty crime' and 'labelling' are defined. The author contends that labelling introduced in 1950s, made those who were labelled adopt the imposed behavioural stereotypes. Their deviant behaviour is explained as a result of the segregation from society. The author claims that the stigma that accompanies the deviant label brings a person in conflict with society and gets them drawn to a criminal group. Various theoretical approaches to labelling are discussed. The paper concludes that forgiveness is a crucial factor in a healthy society.

P/S/27. Americans stand on stem-cell research: does it require the death of embryos?

The paper comes up with the hypothesis that the terms ástem-cell and áhuman embryo stem-cell are confused by the media and public making opinion poll results unreliable. The controversy of terms is analyzed in regard to moral and ethical implications of using embryonic stem sells for medical purposes. The key issue of the debate is: are deaths of embryos justifiable? The paper surveys various opinions on the problem in question and stresses that using adult cord stem cells for medical purposes does not require the destruction of human embryos: these cells are taken from the patients own organs via biopsy. The issue has an important social consequences since it is connected with public funding of the research.

P/S/26. Child sexual abuse in modern society

The paper looks at the problem of child sexual abuse in modern society The author seeks to answer a number of questions concerning sexual orientation of abusers, the effect of the abuse on children's further lives and society as a whole. Drawing on the theory of sexual imprinting, the author admits that sexual abuse in childhood is one of the leading causes of mental disorders and increases the chances of risky behaviour in adulthood (drug addiction, prostitution, etc.). The paper states in conclusion that many victims of abuse, however, become normal citizens of society.

P/S/10. Critically evaluate the main explanations of violence against women.

In conclusion, it is clear that domestic violence is not only created and perpetuated by various myths within society, but also presents itself as a multidimensional problem with no single causal factor that can specifically explain all cases of domestic assault; therefore leaving the responsibility in the hands of those that commit it, not the victims of such abuse or other false blames. Therefore, it could be argued that the patriarchal structures of many families and ideologies that surround marriage and parenthood may actually create a situation in which the signals of dysfunction, which should be apparent, may actually go unnoticed and indeed, merely serve to further empower men to exert their control over their female partners and their children. In turn, patriarchal nature of society and culture plays a substantial part in the perpetuation of many of the previously highlighted causes of domestic violence, and thus could be said to be the main root of the problem. Furthermore, Men, at every level of society, have refused to accept the blame for many crimes against women. Preferring instead to blame violent acts on such myths as alcohol, provocation, and frustration, again directing the blame onto any aspect of the victims behaviour or societal problem instead. What is desperately needed is a complete restructure and education of beliefs and ideology of family lessons in relation to gender roles, and a ceasation of all types of violence within the home in order to reduce the effects and normalisation of violence. Once achieved than perhaps we will be able to abolish the patriarchal ideology of society and move to a more egalitarian approach towards society and gender relations. A society where women are no longer restricted to where they can go, what they can do, and where men no longer control every aspect of society and thus see it as their natural right to dominate society and women in often violent ways. Until such changes are made we cannot begin to see an end to the struggle faced by many women against male dominance, power, and violence within society.

Page 2>Page 3>