1.1. Flashcards
Values
general principles on how people should live their lives (e.g be respectful to other people)
Norms
specific rules / socially accepted standards that govern peoples behaviour (e.g don’t laugh at a funeral)
Moral code (code of ethics)
set of basic rules values and principles held by individuals, specific groups or society as a whole
Deviance
behaviour that goes against social norms that is seen as unusual but doesn’t break any rules / laws
Crime
breaking the law
Formal sanctions
imposed by official bodies for breaking formal written rules / laws
Informal sanctions
used when rules are not formally written down and are “unspoken”
Positive sanctions
rewards for behaviour that society approves of (e.g medals and praises)
Social control
ways in which society seeks to control our behaviour to ensure we conform to its norms (e.g CCTV)
Actus reus
“guilty act” physical action of breaking laws
Mens rea
“guilty mind” intention of breaking laws
Strict liability
where the wrongful act on its own is enough to convict someone. In some cases mens rea is not needed
Summary offences
less serious offences such as speeding that are tried by magistrates
Indictable offences
more serious offences such as rape or murder that are tried in court before a judge and jury
Custodial sentences
imposing a punishment consisting of mandatory custody of the convict
Conditional caution
requires the offender to comply with conditions as an alternative prosecution
Penalty notices for disorder
can be issued for minor crimes and will not get a conviction if penalties are paid
When were homosexual acts between men decriminalised ?
1967 - Sexual Offences Act - over 21 years old - private
When was homosexuality decriminalised in Scotland ?
1980 - over 21 years old - private
When was homosexuality decriminalised in the Isle of Man ?
1994
When was homosexuality decriminalised in Northern Ireland ?
1982
when did lesbian parents receive legal recognition to conceive a child through fertility treatment ?
2008
when was the first lesbian and gay pride march held ?
1970 - London - 2000 people
Why was Action for Lesbian Parents founded ?
lesbian couples were refused custody - founded in 1975
When was the first gay TV series ?
1989 - Out on Tuesdays
What determines the length of a custodial sentence ?
severity of the crime
When can prisoners serving a life sentence apply for parole ?
after 15 years
Indeterminate sentences
sentences with no specific release date
Some sentences that are served in the community are :
probation orders, curfews, anger management classes
What three factors determine the size of a fine ?
seriousness of offence, repeat offence or not, offenders ability to pay
Conditional discharge
the offender committing no further offence for a given period. If they commit an offence during this time, the court can impose a sentence for them
Absolute discharge
the defendant is found guilty but the punishment would be inappropriate, it is not classified as a conviction
What is a caution and when is it used by the police or CPS ?
warnings given by the police or Crown Prosecution Service aged 10 or over for minor crimes such as graffiti - intended for low level first time offenders.
Conditional caution
offenders have to stick to certain rules or restrictions - if broken they will be charged with a crime
Implications of committing a criminal act
exclusion from certain occupations, may be placed in ViSOR, may be banned from travelling to certain countries or require a special visa, may be restrictions on adoption and they may have to declare unspent convictions when obtaining insurance
