In Episode 13 of Inside Criminology, we turn our focus to Chapter 13 of Larry J. Siegel’s Criminology, where we explore the controversial and often politically charged topic of public order crimes—offenses that violate shared norms of morality rather than harm individuals directly.

In Episode 12 of Inside Criminology, we delve into Chapter 12 of Larry J. Siegel’s Criminology, spotlighting the world of enterprise crime—offenses that exploit business operations, technology, or structured criminal organizations for profit.

This episode breaks down three major categories:

White-Collar Crime: Crimes committed by people in positions of trust and authority, including fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading. We explore how greed, corporate culture, and rationalization fuel these offenses.

Cyber Crime: From identity theft to hacking and online scams, we examine how criminals use technology to exploit victims and evade detection in the digital age.

Organized Crime: Structured groups engaging in drug trafficking, illegal gambling, prostitution, and more. We explore their networks, recruitment strategies, and the complex global nature of their operations.

Real-world examples like Enron and BCCI bring these crimes into focus, illustrating the devastating financial and social consequences of unchecked enterprise crime.

We also review law enforcement strategies—from regulatory compliance to deterrence—and discuss the challenges of holding powerful offenders accountable in both corporate and criminal justice systems.

In Episode 11 of Inside Criminology, we unpack Chapter 11 of Larry J. Siegel’s Criminology, focusing on the world of property crimes—acts that violate ownership without direct violence.

We begin with a look at how various criminological theories—including Classical, Marxist/Conflict, Positivist, Multifactor, and Sociological approaches—attempt to explain why individuals commit economic crimes.

Then we dive into the three major categories of property crime:

Larceny/Theft: From shoplifting to auto theft, we explore the distinction between occasional and professional offenders and the motives that drive them.

Burglary: We examine how burglars select residential vs. commercial targets, the routines they follow, and what makes a so-called “good burglar.”

Arson: This section covers juvenile fire-setters, professional arsonists, and the various motives behind intentional property destruction by fire.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the socioeconomic and psychological factors contributing to these crimes and highlight the challenges involved in preventing, detecting, and prosecuting property offenders.