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Shawn Case And Labeling Theory

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Law
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Strayer University
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Running head: SHAWN’S CASE AND LABELING THEORY
Shawn’s Case and Labeling Theory
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SHAWN’S CASE AND LABELING THEORY 2
Shawn’s Case and Labeling Theory
Shawn’s case can be best described using labeling theory and symbolic interaction
theory. His criminal behavior fits in the characteristics of the criminology theories captured
herein. Before the incident, Shawn had tension with his family because of substance abuse,
especially marijuana and alcohol. According to labeling theory, an offender can be considered
deviant because of the underlying societal reactions (Matsueda, 1992). Thus, Shawn’s actions are
linked to his decision to react to the fact that he was considered to be involved in criminal
activities. It is possible that Shawn internalized the idea of being regarded as an offender and
acted in line with the label to actualize it. Equally, based on the symbolic interaction theory, the
fact that Shawn was using marijuana can be the reason why he was troubled and stabbed his
father unknowingly. According to the defense jury, he acted while in his sleep, which is an
indication that he was under the influence of an external force, which could have been
contributed by his use of marijuana.

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Running head: SHAWN’S CASE AND LABELING THEORY Shawn’s Case and Labeling Theory Name Institution Affiliation SHAWN’S CASE AND LABELING THEORY 2 Shawn’s Case and Labeling Theory Shawn’s case can be best described using labeling theory and symbolic interaction theory. His criminal behavior fits in the characteristics of the criminology theories captured herein. Before the incident, Shawn had tension with his family because of substance abuse, especially marijuana and alcohol. According to labeling theory, an offender can be considered deviant because of the underlying societal reactions (Matsueda, 1992). Thus, Shawn’s actions are linked to his decision to react to the fact that he was considered to be involved in criminal activities. It is possible that Shawn internalized the idea of being regarded as an offender and acted in line with the label to actualize it. Equally, b ...
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