AC 1.1 Flashcards
Define the social definition of criminal behaviour
A crime is considered a label arising from social interaction or a wrong against the community. If society defines an act as a crime, it becomes one. This definition can vary across cultures and time.
Provide a legal definition of criminal behaviour
A criminal act is one that is prohibited by law and is punishable by formal sanctions. It requires both actus reus (the act) and mens rea (the intent), though some strict liability offences do not need mens rea.
What are actus reus and mens rea?
Actus reus refers to the guilty act, and mens rea refers to the guilty mind or intent. Both are typically needed for a behaviour to be classed as criminal.
What is a strict liability offence?
An offence that does not require proof of mens rea. For example, a factory owner may be held liable for injuries due to unsafe machinery, even without intent to cause harm.
Give examples of criminal offences
Examples include theft, fraud, murder, money laundering, prostitution, manslaughter, and honour killing.
What is the difference between summary and indictable offences?
Summary offences are less serious (e.g. speeding) and tried in magistrates’ court. Indictable offences are serious (e.g. murder) and tried in Crown Court before a jury.
Give three non-court sanctions for criminal acts
Caution, conditional caution, and penalty notices for disorder. These are typically used for minor offences and administered by the police.
Describe three court sanctions for criminal behaviour
Custodial sentences (e.g. prison), community sentences (e.g. unpaid work), and fines or discharges (conditional or absolute).
Define deviance
Deviance is behaviour that violates societal norms and may provoke disapproval. It includes behaviour that is unusual, odd, or morally questionable, such as que jumping or excessive tattoos.
How does deviant behaviour differ from criminal behaviour?
Criminal behaviour breaks formal laws and leads to legal sanctions, while deviance breaks social norms and may lead to informal sanctions or disapproval. Some acts may be both.
Give three examples of acts that are deviant but not criminal
Shouting in a library, wearing swimming trunks to an interview, and playing loud music on a bus.
Give three examples of acts that are criminal but not necessarily deviant
Keeping incorrect change, underage drinking, and speeding.
Give three examples of acts that are both deviant and criminal
Murder, sexual assault, and hate crimes.
What are formal sanctions against deviance?
Imposed by official bodies (e.g. courts, schools, police). Examples include imprisonment, community orders, fines, or school expulsion.
What are informal sanctions against deviance?
Non-official responses like name-calling, ridicule, ignoring, or frowning upon behaviour. For example, classmates mocking someone who gets detention for not doing homework.
