ac1.2 - explain the social construct of criminality Flashcards
define adultery
sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not their spouse
what is the legality with adultery in the uk
not criminal but may have legal consequences in divorce proceedings
where is adultery legal
uk and all other european countries
where is adultery illegal
many islamic countries such as saudi arabia and pakistan. almost half of the usa states but only as a misdemeanour (minor offence)
why does the law on adultery vary between cultures
religion (bible states it is a sin), status of women who are owned by their husbands and treated as property, some politicians may not wish to be seen as opposing moral laws so are reluctant to revoke them
define honour crimes
crimes where the accused has brought shame on their family
what is the legality of honour crime in the uk
criminal and if a killing is involved it is murder
where is honour crime legal
mostly within south asia and middle east
where is honour crime illegal
uk, europe, usa, pakistan
why does the law for honour crimes vary in between cultures
such crimes thought to have originated from tribal customs where an allegation against a woman can damage the familys reputation. none of the worlds major religions condone honour crimes but perpetrators have sometimes tried to justify their actions on religious grounds
define homosexuality
sexual attraction between people of the same sex
what is the history of legality of homosexuality in the uk
once illegal but partially decriminalised in 1967 with the age of consent being set at 21 years. this was lowered to 18 and then 16. civil partnerships were allowed and now same sex marriages can also take place
where is homosexuality illegal
india, saudi arabia, iran, yemen and nigeria
why does the law around homosexuality vary between cultures
religion (e.g. bible says homosexuality is a sin), taboo and against the norm (resulting in intolerance and bigotry)
define capital punishment
practice of executing someone as punishment for a specific crime after a legal trial
in the 18th century how many offences resulted in the death penalty
over 200
what laws faded surrounding capital punishment that led to rights, freedoms and the opportunity to progress in society
laws made by the rich to protect themselves and being focused on the poor who were viewed as lazy and agents of their own misfortune
as the law for capital punishment got less harsh, what two crimes would still constitute it?
murder and treason
how did the case of derek bentley in 1953 lead to a change in public opinion and the law about the death penalty
derek bentley was executed for the murder of a police officer and many believed it was a miscarriage of justice (innocent) because he didnt possess nor fire the gun.
how did the case of ruth ellis in 1955 lead to a change in public opinion and the law about the death penalty
last woman hanged in the uk for the murder of her abusive husband who beat her and made her have a miscarriage. guilty but many felt sympathetic for her case
what type of evidence developed that made it apparent that many people were wrongly convicted and executed
dna evidence
when was capital punishment temporarily abolished
1965
when was capital punishment abolished for murder but not treason
1969
when was capital punishment abolished for all crimes and what was the act called
crime and disorder act 1998