3.4 unit 4 Flashcards
what are some evaluation points for how the police are EFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
- extended police powers to detain suspected terrorists for 14 days allows them to be more effective in achieving social control, allows them to keep the public safe from potential harm whilst they investigate
- can stop and search and arrest potential suspects and investigate crimes, taking criminals off the streets
what are some evaluation points for how the police are INEFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-ONS robbery and fraud increased in 2024, suggest that the police are ineffective at tackling crime.
-many serious crimes involving the most brutal offenders have often taken a long time to be brought to justice. eg the killers of Stephen Lawrence(almost 19 years before they were convicted), Harold Shipman (23 years)
-forced confessions e.g. Birmingham 6
-lack of funding = lack of resources, unsolved cases
-local priorities, some left ignored (broken windows theory)
what are some evaluation points for how the CPS are EFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
- responsible for bringing the prosecution to court by using the Full Code Test. thus achieving social control when offenders are put behind bars.
what are some evaluation points for how the CPS are INEFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-Glidewell Report = too many judge-ordered acquittals of defendants which could suggest that the CPS are ineffective at achieving social control.
-lack of organization. Such mistakes can have devastating effects on the administration of justice (SEE LORD JANNER).
-lack of government funding in the CPS so less expertise in CPS for complex cases,
-sometimes down charge offences due to it being quicker and cheaper to be tried in a magistrate= less proportionate
-Liam Allen, near miscarriage of justice, due to issues with disclosure, rape offence, damilola taylor
what are some evaluation points for how the judiciary are EFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-Due to statutory interpretation they are able to approach the law with flexibility and judge a case on its own merits which enables social control to take place effectively e.g. R v R 1991 ( removed legal exemption for rape in marriage)
- can create precedent (law) if they feel like current doesn’t apply
-determine sentences given once offenders found guilty/ can decide verdict in juryless trials (POWER!!!)
what are some evaluation points for how the judiciary are INEFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-too lenient with sentences, dangerous offenders being released too early
-judges are ‘out of touch’ with society. Male, Middle-Class, Middle-Minded. not always able to understand the full circumstances of a case due to lack of life experience and privilege.
-Judges have often been criticised for the type of language they have used in a courtroom. For instance, ‘she was asking for it’, falling a sleep during a rape trial and not understanding modern slang terns.
what are some evaluation points for how the prisons are EFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
- in prisons token economies can be a way social control is achieved as prisoners behaviour is controlled, violence is stopped, no contraband is allowed in
what are some evaluation points for how the prisons are INEFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-high amount of drugs that are available and taken so offenders are less likely to rehabilitate and engage with programmes
-known as a ‘university of crime’ prison has a poor reputation
- high recidivism, 44% of adults are likely to re-offend within a year.
-Many offenders see prison as a badge of honour with their crimes often increasing in severity each time.
-overcrowded due to reoffending so more expensive for state
-lack of funding- less staff so less control, more chance of riots eg Birmingham 6
- no access to support/ rehab on release and within prison, usually to those who are in longer term
what are some evaluation points for how the probation service is EFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-prepare pre sentencing and pre release reports with recommendations for change in behaviour and support so they are no longer a harm to the public
-Community Sentences= More successful in reducing recidivism than prison. Only 34% reoffend within 12 months compared to 64%
what are some evaluation points for how the probation service is INEFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-2017 Report suggest that staff spend too much time on paper work and targets than they do on offenders and their development. as offenders may not be on their right programmes for them.
- partial privatization of the probation service, doesn’t face the same scrutiny than gov agencies, (CRS) did check ups over phone
-funding cuts- not enough money to deliver correct programmes
-some terms of sentences hard to manage eg curfews, bans on certain areas
-lack of housing for those released
what are some evaluation points for how the charities and pressure groups are EFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
- help to raise awareness and put pressure on the government to change, make or amend laws.
- NACRO helps to provide accommodation, food and access to education for offenders released from prison. prevent people from committing crime by providing them with help & support.
- unlock remove convictions declaration on jo applications, easier to get a job and stay out of crime
-women’s aid- helps women speak about and report DV
-end friday release campaign so wont struggle to gain support
what are some evaluation points for how the charities and pressure groups are INEFFECTIVE in achieving social control?
-they cannot force change on the government and so some campaigns are not always fully successful in achieving social control.
-people don’t always want to access support or report crime
