AC 1.1 Compare criminal behaviour and deviance Flashcards
Define norms
rules that govern behaviour
Define values
- beliefs that we regard as important
- some values are based on religious ideas and some are based on the needs of a given society.
Define mores
very basic, essential norms that society sees as vital for maintaining civilisation.
Define moral codes
used to describe a set of rules, values and principles held by an individual, group, organisation or society
What is the legal definition a crime
an act or omission that is forbidden by criminal law and is punishable.
Define deviance
Deviance is any behaviour which differs from the norm - it is behaviour which is uncommon or out of the ordinary in some way. As it is out of the ordinary, it usually provokes some kind of reaction from society.
Define actus reus
A guilty act (the act of committing a crime)
Define mens rea
an element of criminal responsibility; a guilty mind (they have acted with bad or criminal intentions)
The social definition of criminal behaviour
refers to the ways in which people in society determine behaviour to be acceptable or not.
If society labels an act as a crime then it becomes a crime under this definition.
Define summary offences
less serious offences are tried by magistrates.
Everything starts off in a magistrates court and they can only give limited sentencings
Define indictable offences
more serious offences and are tried in a Crown Court in front of a judge and jury and the sentences that can be imposed are more severe. Carry a sentence of over 3 years.
Examples of fatal offences against a person
Murder and manslaughter
Sentencing between 15 and 30 years
Examples of non fatal offences against a person
assault, grievous bodily harm (GBH)
What are formal sanctions?
Sanctions laid down by the law that can be imposed on those convicted of a crime
Define absolute discharge?
Someone is found guilty of a criminal offence but punishment is not suitable
eg, for self defence or serious illness
