1.1 Flashcards
What are norms?
Specific rules or socially accepted standards that govern behaviour in particular situations.
Norms can vary significantly between cultures and societies.
What are values?
General principles or guidelines for how we should live our lives.
Values often influence an individual’s behavior and choices.
What are moral codes?
A set of basic rules, values and principles, held by an individual, group, organisation or society as a whole.
Moral codes can differ widely between different societies.
What are formal sanctions?
Punishments for breaking formal written rules or laws. Imposed by official bodies e.g. courts, schools etc.
Examples include fines, community service, or imprisonment.
What are informal sanctions?
Disapproval shown to a person for breaking unwritten rules, such as telling off or ignoring them.
Informal sanctions can be as impactful as formal ones in shaping behavior.
What are positive sanctions?
Rewards for behaviour society approves of e.g praise or medal.
Positive sanctions encourage individuals to conform to societal norms.
What is social control?
Ways in which society seeks to control our behaviour and ensure we conform to its norms.
Social control can be achieved through both formal and informal means.
What does ‘actus reus’ mean?
Latin for ‘guilty act’.
It refers to the physical act of committing a crime.
What does ‘mens rea’ mean?
Latin for ‘guilty mind’.
It refers to the mental state or intent behind committing a crime.
What are fines?
Financial penalties dependent on seriousness of offence and ability to pay.
Fines can be imposed by courts as a form of punishment.
What is a conditional discharge?
An offender may avoid prison if they commit no offences in a given time period.
This is often used for first-time or minor offenders.
What is an absolute discharge?
Defendant is guilty but court decides punishment is not appropriate.
An absolute discharge results in no further action taken against the offender.
What does ViSOR stand for?
Violent and Sex Offenders Register.
ViSOR is a database used by law enforcement in the UK to manage information on registered offenders.
What is a norm?
A norm is a standard or expectation for behavior in a society.
Example: In the UK we tend to queue up in an orderly fashion.
What is a value?
A value is a belief or principle that is considered important in a society.
Example: Respect for human life is a value found in almost all human societies.
What is a moral code?
A moral code is a set of guidelines or principles that govern behavior within a specific group or organization.
Example: The Police code of ethics.
What are indictable offences?
More serious criminal acts tried in crown court with a jury, resulting in more severe sentences.
Examples include murder, manslaughter, and assault.
What are summary offences?
Less serious criminal acts tried by magistrates, such as speeding.
Summary offences typically carry lighter penalties.
Give an example of a violent offence against the person.
Rape
Other examples include sex trafficking and grooming.
What constitutes offences against property?
Burglary, theft, robbery.
These offences involve the unlawful taking or destruction of someone else’s property.
What are examples of fraud and forgery?
Frauds by company directors, benefit cheating, tax evasion.
These crimes involve deceit for personal gain.
What is classified as criminal damage?
Arson, vandalism, graffiti.
These acts involve intentionally damaging property.
What are drug offences?
Supplying, trafficking, or possession of illegal substances.
These offences target the illegal drug trade and usage.
What are public order offences?
Rioting and violent disorder.
These offences disrupt public peace and safety.
