A.C 1.1 - Compare Criminal Behaviour And Deviance Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are Norms?
Specific rules of expectations in society about what is or not socially acceptable behaviour
For example, cultures that place great values responding to the older generation may have different norms.
Values
Refer to a shared and general set of principles about acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.
Values change within different societies, for example, uk and USA place high value on individuals wealth and Native America - sharing wealth and work together
Moral codes
Often used to describe a set of basic rules, values and principles held by an individual group, organisation or society as a whole.
A code of ethics, these may be written down and explicit with the expectation that you will follow them.
For example, police codes of ethics:
-accountability. -fairness. -honesty
-integrity. -leadership. -objectivity
-openness. -respect. -selflesness
Formal sanctions against deviance
These are imposed by official bodies such as the police, courts, schools and other institutions (written down)
Informal sanctions against deviance
Used where the rules are not formally written down and are perhaps unspoken. When someone breaks these rules, others may ignore them or tell them off.
Legal definition
It refers to either criminal or civil law and is an intentional act in violation of the law
An action that is forbidden by the criminal law:
-actus reus = a guilty act
-men’s rea = a guilty mind
Social definition
Crimes are acts that break a set of norms. Crimes as a concept is socially constructed and what is a crime for one person will differ to what other person considers to be a crime.
Summary offences
Less serious offences
For example, speeding.
Indictable offences
More serious offences
For example, rape or murder
Strict liability
In some cases a men’s rea is not required.
For example, health and safety laws, a factory owner who is negligent and fails to safeguard dangerous machinery is liable for the injury to the workers despite there was no intention to harm.
Self harming
If harming someone in self defence it is not a crime. So long as the force used was reasonable in the situation.
Differing views
The public usually have different views to what is a crime, for examples, people may not see themselves as criminals ( motorists going 31 in a 30 zones)
Law enforcement
Not all criminal laws are enforced, some are not prioritised.
For example, white collar crimes are often complex and time consuming to investigate and prosecute. Police may feel enforcing prosecution for possession of soft drug is a waste of time.
Law- making
-Not all acts that people think should be criminal become against the law.
-which actions get made illegal depends on who has the power to influence the law makers such as the media
-sometimes laws are changed to reflect changes in public opinions
Court sanctions: custodial sentences
-This means going to prison or youth offenders
-this for serious offences and the person term relates to the offence itself
Court sanctions: community sentences
Served in the community
For examples, community service, curfews, drug testing.
Court sanctions: fines
Financial penalties
-the size of the fine, depends on the offence.
Courts sanctions: discharge
- a conditionals discharge involved the offender community no further offence for a given period.
-if the offender commits another crime in the period, the court can impose a sentence for both crimes
Deviance
Deviance is any behaviour that differs from normal
Police sanctions: cautions
These are warning that can be given out by the police or crown prosecution
- they are intended for low- level offending e.g graffiti
-they can be given to anyone over the age of 10
Police sanctions: conditionals cautions
These mean you have to stick to certain rules e.g going to treatment for dug abuse
-if you fail to do so or break the conditions you can be charged with crime
Police sanctions: Penalty notice for disorder
These can be used for minor crimes such as shoplifting
-you won’t get a conviction if you pay the penalty
-you can dispute the case by going to trial
Other implications of commuting a criminal act = as well as as punishment but he court, the offender will also receive a criminal record. Depending on the offence and the courts sentence there may be other implications
For examples:
-exclusion from certain occupations e.g working with children
-banned from travelling to certain areas
-a lot of hate from people (backlash)
-family and friends will look down on you
-likely to re-offend, people gather a reputation
Actus reus
A guilty act
