Criminal Behaviour Flashcards
(11 cards)
Social definition of crime
Crime is a label that comes from social interaction- when someone does a wrong against the community or someone in the community.
Crime is socially constructed and therefore changes by time/place/culture.
Legal definition of crime
When someone commits an act that is punishable by law
What is meant by Actus Reus
A guilty act e.g. murdering someone
What is meant by Mens Rea
A guilty mind e.g. whether they meant to do it or not if it was intentional
What are 2 defences that may change how a criminal act is perceived and punished?
Insanity and self defence
What is a problem with the legal definition of crime?
It is too simplistic and seems to mean that if there was no criminal law, then there would be no crime.
What are sanctions?
A penalty for disobeying a law or rule. (it can also be a reward for obeying a law or rule but the but the word is much less commonly used for this).
What is the difference between formal and informal sanctions?
Formal sanctions - actions that are official and given by an authoritative force such as law enforcement.
Informal sanctions - often a spontaneous and unofficial reaction conducted by either an individual or a group and can be as little as raising an eyebrow of disapproval.
What is a social construct?
An idea that has been created/built and made acceptable by society, if society accepts something is a crime then it is.
What is the Marxist perspective on crime?
Some criminologists point out that the power to label such acts, and certain people, as criminal- known as criminalisation- tends to reflect power differentials, or interests, within society. Some criminologists believe the criminal law and the operation of the justice and penal system are clear illustrations of elite or class interests. (MARXIST THEORY)
4 examples of UK laws that have changed over time.
