AC 1.1 Compare criminal behaviour and deviance

Question 1

defining deviance

Answer 1

A behaviour that goes against the social norms of a society, which causes disapproval. These social norms tend to be unwritten rules of acceptable behaviour. Deviant behaviour depends upon the situation and the culture.

Question 2

values

Answer 2

general principles or guidelines for how we should live our lives. They tell us what’s acceptable/unacceptable

Question 3

norms

Answer 3

expected ways of behaving in a given situation

Question 4

moral codes

Answer 4

a set of basic rules, values and principles held by a group, individual or society as a whole

Question 5

different types of sanctions

Answer 5

formal
informal
positive
negative
— social control

Question 6

informal sanctions

Answer 6

rules aren’t formally written down. When someone breaks these rules others show their disapproval in informal ways such as refusing to speak to them, telling them off, slap on the wrist etc.

Question 7

formal sanctions

Answer 7

imposed by official bodies such as police, courts, schools and other institutions. There are punishments for breaking formal written rules or laws. For example, courts may fine an offender for theft or schools may exclude pupils for bullying

Question 8

positive sanctions

Answer 8

sanctions can be positive such as rewards for behaviour that society approves of. Example include medals of bravery or praise from a teacher. Like negative sanctions they can be formal or informal

Question 9

social control

Answer 9

all sanctions, formal or informal, positive or negative are forms of social control. Social control is the ways in which society seeks to control our behaviour and ensure we conform to its norms and behave as others expect us to.

Question 10

3 forms of deviance

Answer 10

admired deviance
odd deviance
bad deviance

Question 11

admired deviance

Answer 11

behaviour where individuals act in a way that doesn’t conform to social norms and values, but earns them admiration rather than disapproval. E.g. Rosa Parks refusing to move from her seat in Alabama in 1955 challenged expectations of segregation in the USA.

Question 12

odd deviance

Answer 12

eccentric behaviour that many people wouldn’t take part in, or behaviour that challenges norms and values of how people do things. E.g. musicians may display non-conformist behaviour that’s displayed as deviant, like trashing instruments.

Question 13

bad deviance

Answer 13

aligned with criminal behaviour, this refers to acts of deviance that are perceived as undesirable by the majority of society. Our perception of what is ‘bad deviance’ often depends on the social situation and the era in which behaviour is committed. Murder is seen as bad deviance but there are social situations like war whereby it’s seen as acceptable.

Question 14

social definition of crime

Answer 14

behaviour that is considered deviant or unacceptable within a particular society

Question 15

legal definition of crime

Answer 15

an act that goes against the written law and is therefore punishable by the state

Question 16

actus reus

Answer 16

a guilty act

Question 17

mens rea

Answer 17

a guilty mind/ criminal intent

Question 18

what are the two elements of crime

Answer 18

actus reus and mens rea
In most crimes, both of these must be present to secure a conviction. Unless both elements are present, there is no crime.

Question 19

strict liabilty

Answer 19

the wrongful act alone is enough to convict someone
e.g. speeding, health and safety and food hygiene

Question 20

variety of criminal acts

Answer 20

Summary offences – less serious offences such as speeding. They are tried by magistrates.

Indictable offences – more serious offences such as rape or murder. They are tried in a crown court before a judge and jury. The sentences imposed are more severe.

Question 21

examples of indictable offences

Answer 21

Violence against the person – murder, manslaughter, assault

Sexual offences – rape, sex trafficking, grooming

Offences against property – burglary, theft, robbery

Fraud and forgery – white collar crimes

Criminal damage – arson

Drug offences – supplying or possessing any class A drug (heroin)

Public order offences – riot, violent disorder

Question 22

Formal sanctions against criminals:

Answer 22

non court sanctions: caution, conditional caution, penalty notice
court sanctions: custodial sentences, community sentences, discharge, fine

Question 23

caution

Answer 23

warnings, these can be given out by police or crown prosecution service to anyone 10+ for minor crimes. Intended for low level, first time offences. You must admit to the offence and agree to be cautioned. You can be arrested and charged if you don’t accept the caution

Question 24

conditional caution

Answer 24

you have to stick to certain rules and restrictions such as going for treatment for drug abuse. If you break the conditions you could be charged with a crime

Question 25

penalty notices

Answer 25

can be issued for minor crimes such as shoplifting. You won’t get a conviction, if you pay the penalty. If you disagree with the penalty notice you can go to trial instead.

Question 26

custodial sentences

Answer 26

imprisonment or detention in a young offender institution. Length of sentence can vary from days up to life.

Question 27

community sentences

Answer 27

served in community rather than jail. Includes probation orders such as curfews, attendance on anger management courses, mandatory drug testing and unpaid community work

Question 28

discharge

Answer 28

a conditional discharge involves offender committing no further offences for a given period. If commit during period, court can impose sentence for both old and new offence

Question 29

fines

Answer 29

financial penalties. Size of fine depends on seriousness of offence, if it’s a repeat offence and ability to pay. Offenders can pay in instalments.