AC 1.1 Compare Criminal behaviour and Deviance

Question 1

Criminal Behaviour

Definitions of crime-
Social definition of crime

Answer 1

If a society has said an act is a crime then it becomes one. Some acts are a crime in some counturies but not others e.g. the age on consent in the UK is 16 but in Austria it is 14.

Question 2

Criminal Behaviour

Definitions of crime-
Legal definition of crime

Answer 2

Behaviour which breaks the law for which you are punished by the legal system. In law a crime must have 2 elements: The Actus Reus (guilty act) and the Mens Rea (guilty mind). Someone could have both the elements and still be found not guilty due to self defence.

Question 3

Criminal Behaviour

Formal sanctions against criminals-
Non-court sanctions

Answer 3

1. Cautions- given by the police for offences like graffiti. You must admit to the offence.
2. Custodial Cautions- given by the police ut you have to follow a certain rules e.g. clean up the graffiti.
3. Penalty notices for discharge- A fine for offences like shopliftting.

Question 4

Criminal Behaviour

Formal sanctions against criminals-
Court Sanctions

Answer 4

1. Custodial sentencing- You are immediately sent to prison. There are mandatory life sentences for some crimes.
2. Community sentences- Unpaid work in the community. Could be a ‘comibination order’ e.g. a drug treatment.
3. Fines- the more serious the crime the higher the fine.
4. Discharge- Conditional discharge means if you reoffend during a set period of time you will be given additional sentencing. Absolute discharge is given when the defedant is guilty but morally blameless.

Question 5

Criminal Behaviuour

Vareity of criminal acts:
Types of criminal acts and examples

Answer 5

1. Fatal offences against the person- Murder, Manslaughter
2. Non- Fatal Offences against the person- Assualt, Battery, Actual and grevious bodily harm
3. Offences against property- Theft, Robbery, Burglary
4. Sexual offences- Rape, Indecent Assault

Question 6

Devaince

What is meant by Deviance?

Answer 6

Devaint simply means any behaviour that is different or unusual. If you break the norms, moral codes or values of society then you are a deviant.

Question 7

Deviance