Michael Rocque

Explores the role of theory and research in criminology. Adopts a unique and refreshing approach to criminological theory and focuses on the great debates in criminology from its inception as a field to the present day. Explores the debates that have motivated criminological thought, that have represented turning points in theoretical and empirical trajectories, that have offered mini-paradigm shifts, and that have moved the field forward.

 

Describes how empathy can help explain why people break laws, why laws are made in the first place, and why people react as they do to law breaking.

Reviews the literature on school rampage shootings. Finds that the media has over reacted to these types of shootings and that schools remain safe places for children. Several explanations for school shootings are described but each has shortcomings.

Shows how biology can help us understand how crime prevention programs are effective, and shows that modern crime prevention can address biology in a non-controversial manner.

Examines the individual- and school-level correlates of school discipline. Finds that despite controlling for a host of factors related to school discipline, racial disparities remain.

Describes the empirical literature on racial disparities across the criminal justice system and presents a theoretical linkage between such disparities and later criminal behavior.

Examines whether racial disparities in school discipline can be explained by wayward behavior. Even taking “acting out” into consideration, African-Americans are still more likely to be punished than other groups.