1.1 comparing criminal behaviour and deviance

Question 1

Norms, values and moral codes-

Norms

Answer 1

Norms- socially accepted standards that govern people’s behaviours

Such as prior to 1967 the ‘norms’ were that homosexual activities were criminally and worthy of prison time or even death however this began changing as societies standards changed meaning that now homosexual people have the same rights as straight people.

Question 2

Norms, values and moral codes-

Values

Answer 2

Values- general principles or guidelines for how we live our lives

A common value shared across majority of societies is respect for human life.
Accumulating wealth is specific for the uk and USA as we are an individualistic culture compared to native Americans who are collectivists and their culture values sharing of wealth and respect for elders.

Question 3

Norms, values and moral codes-

Moral codes

Answer 3

A moral code is having good beliefs and values as individuals and as a society as a whole.

The police code of ethics is a written guide to the core principles and standards officers are expected to have-

• accountably
• integrity

Question 4

Defining deviance

Answer 4

Deviance is any behaviour that differs from the norms

There are 3 types of deviance-
1. Behaviour that is unusual and good e.g raising lots of money for charity at a young age

2. Behaviour that is unusual and eccentric e.g talking to trees
3. Behaviour that is unusual and bad e.g criminal behaviour

Question 5

Formal and informal sanctions against deviance

Answer 5

Formal sanctions- used by official bodies such as police, courts and schools. They are punishments for breaking formal written rules or laws.

Informal sanctions- used by those around you and are not formally written just disapproved.

All sanctions are a form of social control.

Question 6

Defining criminal behaviour-

Legal and social definitions

• Actus Reus
• Mens Rea
• strict liability
• self defence

Answer 6

Legal definition- an act that breaks the law
Social definition- an act that offends society

Actus Reus- guilty act
Mens Rea- guilty mind
Strict liability- the wrongful act on its own is enough to convict.
Self defence- is not a crime so long as the force used was reasonable.

Question 7

Two types of offences in the UK

Answer 7

Summary offences- magistrate court with minor offences. There is no jury

Indictable offences- crown court with serious offences. Tried before a judge and jury.

Question 8

Indictable offences within the UK

Answer 8

• Violence against a person
• sexual offences
• offences against property
• Fraud and forgery
• criminal damage
• drug offences
• public order offences

Question 9

Formal sanctions against criminals

-custodial sentences

Answer 9

Custodial sentences

• the seriousness of the crime determines the length.
• after 15 years prisoners can apply for parol if on a life sentence.
• if the criminal act is a danger to the public the courts can impose an indeterminate sentence. (One with no release date)

Question 10

Formal sanctions against criminals-
Community sentences
Fines
Conditional and absolute discharge

Answer 10

• includes- probation orders, restrictions, attendance on anger management courses, mandatory drug testing and community payback.
• three factors which determine fines are seriousness, repeat offences and ability to pay
• conditional discharge- commuting no further offences during a set period
• absolute discharge- on a technicality the offender is guilty but punishment would be inappropriate.

Question 11

Police sanctions-
Cautions 
Conditional cautions 
Penalty notices 
Others

Answer 11

Caution- warning given to anyone aged 10 or older for minor, low-level, first time offences.

Conditional caution- when the caution involves sticking to certain guidelines, rules and restrictions.

Penalty notices- you will not get a conviction if u pay the fine.

Others- exclusion from certain jobs, places on the violent or sex offenders register, banned from travelling or restrictions on adoption