Explain differential labeling and the major premise of social ...

[Lisaclaire]

Explain differential labeling and the major premise of social reaction theory. Explain your view on differential labeling.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The National Crime Prevention Council suggests that regulations and ordinances on gun licensing may interrupt sources of illegal guns.
 
  a. True
   b. False
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false

[sarajane1989]

Answer to Question 1

 An important principle of social reaction theory is that the law is differentially applied, benefiting those who hold economic and social power and penalizing the powerless.
 The probability of being brought under the control of legal authority is a function of a person's race, wealth, gender, and social standing. While wealthy white-collar criminals are most often punished by a relatively small fine, poor youths who get involved in street crimes, such as burglary or car theft, most often face incarceration and other harsh punishments.
 While substantive and procedural laws govern almost every aspect of the American justice system, discretionary decision making controls its operation at every level.
 From the police officer's decision on whom to arrest, to the prosecutor's decisions on whom to charge and how many and what kind of charges to bring or whether to treat the offender as a juvenile or prosecute in adult court, to the judge's decision on the length of the sentence, discretion works to the detriment of minorities, including African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans.
 While differential labeling may be the norm, some juvenile court judges may sympathize with White defendants and help them avoid delinquent labels, especially if they seem to come from good families, whereas minority youths are not afforded that luxury.
 A major premise of social reaction theory is that racial, age, income, and gender differences in the delinquency rate reflect the fact that the law is differentially constructed and applied.
 It favors the powerful members of society who direct its content and penalizes people whose actions represent a threat to those in control, such as minority group members and the poor who demand equal rights.
 If the law were totally unbiased, official data would reflect self-report studies, which show that delinquency is spread equally among racial and class groups.
 Student views will vary.

Answer to Question 2

TRUE

[Lisaclaire]

Excellent

[sultansheikh]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it