Essay On Criminal Labeling

Labeling is among the various definitions of criminality in the study of crime, the criminal justice system and criminal behavior. It can be used to determine and influence self identity and the behavior of people. Labeling does not consider why some groups are more likely to commit a crime it determines why some people or individuals are labeled and why others are not. It can also determine the impact of the labeling on the person and molds the way the person might behave (LaFave, 2006). An offender who has been labeled a deviant most of the time ends up being associated more with the dominant label as it is considered to be more significant than other traits of the individual. Each one of the labels constitutes prejudices and perspectives which can lead to other individuals
Consider a case where an individual is convicted for drug charges, many people in the society considers drugs and substance abuse harmful to health, a violation of the law, and results into the person being unproductive and a has a troubling life. A 20 year old boy was busted abusing illegal drugs and becomes now is labeled as deviant when his social group hears about it. He has limited opportunities in regards to any social acceptance. His parents also reinforce the deviant labeling by letting his school know. This makes teachers put him in the spotlight at the school, which can cause his book bag to be searched. He may be excluded from the school and could be arrested and warned by law enforcement. This may limit him from government benefits by taken him from getting education . He may also find it hard getting a job, knowing he has a label. He may get a job that doesn't pay very well and he ends up stealing or committing a crime to pay things or to get drugs. Solutions can be wanted by the offender, and he can address the problems that his label presents. No