why are most convicted criminals from working class backgrounds?

Answer 1

probably the same reason most people are from the working class.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Okay right, people must remember that not all crimes are commited by working class people, this is what is portrayed in the media? WHY? because it makes headlines... what would you rather hear? "Old lady mugged by thug" or something involving some fraudulent behaviour (brain block on a title).. I'm assuming you'd be more shocked on the poor old lady being mugged...

There's a major lack in the reports in white collar crime (Crimes committed by the gov, and higher classes, corporate crime etc).. Now you'd be suprised to hear that more people die in the work place than you do in the street, or murder etc..they die in the work place due to negligence etc... what about those companies like union carbide and the terrible bhopal disaster.. nobody was convicted for what they did? why because these companies can get away with it. 20,000 deaths occured from this incident, some directly, other indirectly..

So before I answer this question, bare in mind upper class people are just as deviant and criminal..if not worse..

There's probably a higher amount of convicted working class criminals because the police would rather arrest a poor person for trying to steal some food for their children rather than stop some corporate boss stealing money from the poor and being negligent.. why? because white collar crime is more difficult to detect, and some people dont realise they're victims, for example credit card fraud. if you're not checking your statements, you'll never realise it.

Violent crimes and theft are generally associated with the working class, which have victims who obviously know they're being violeted or whatever, so eaiser to catch..

That's it really...

Answer 4

Wealthier people can afford better lawyers. There's lots of criminals who don't get convicted. Race and prejudice are big issues. Just because someone's convicted doesn't mean they're guilty. Read Thurgood Marhsall's biography by Juan something for great insight on prejudice and convictions. The court systems are all about plea-bargaining, and poor people are more susceptible to prosecutor negotiations of "I'll give you a guilty for this one for the other one to get off..." Even in the Supreme Court there's bargaining! You give me this vote, I'll give you that one. Justice has a long way to go. It's about money and who you know.

Answer 5

For two reasons:
1. People who have hard life are likely to draw the conclusion that "crime is the only option".
2. Minor criminals are persecuted by the law, major criminals get on with the law, and professional criminals set up the rules of the law.

Answer 6

Hello,,could be the police live next door and are not afraid to bust their neighbors. It's easier then driving around the bad hoods.

Answer 7

they are caught and convicted more often as they can't afford good lawyers.

Answer 8

Culture, poverty, jury bias, lawyer costs - all these factors are involved.

Answer 9

because all the politicians have good lawyers and they know all the judges.

Because if we were rich we wouldn't have to commit crimes to feed our kids....