AC 1.1 Social construction of criminality Flashcards
what is a value?
These are general principles or guidelines for how we should live our lives. They tell us what is right and wrong, good and bad.
What is a norm?
While values lay down general principles or guidelines, norms are specific rules or socially accepted standards that govern peoples behaviour in particular situations.
What is deviance?
deviance is any behaviour that differs from normal. in other words, it is behaviour that id unusual, uncommon or out of the ordinary in some way.
Types of deviance
Behaviour could be unusual in one of three different ways. Behaviour that is unusual and good (e.g. risking ones life to save someone else) , behaviour that is unusual and eccentric or bizarre (e.g. talking to the trees in a park) , behaviour that is unusual and bad or disapproved of (e.g. physically attacking someone for no reason).
Informal sanctions for deviance
informal sanctions are used where the rules are not formally written down and are perhaps ‘unspoken’. For example, name calling, being grounded and labelling behaviour.
positive sanctions for deviance
sanctions do not necessarily have to be negative. societies may choose to reward the behaviours they approve of generating a culture of positive reinforcement. for example, medals of honour, sporting achievement being awarded and praise from a parent or teacher.
defining criminal behaviour
deviant behaviour which involved serious, harmful acts that are a wrong against society. These acts are regarded as so disruptive that the state must intervene to punish/protect.
what is strict liability?
sometimes the wrongful act on its own is enough to convict someone. even if you don’t intend to do wrong, sometimes it is still a crime. many health and safety laws work on this but also traffic laws for example speeding.
what is self defence?
assaulting someone when it is self defence is not a crime. so long as the force used was reasonable in the situation. it must be in response to an actual/perceived threat to you.
formal sanctions: court
custodial sentences- going to prison or youth offenders, this is for serious offences. Community sentences- served in the community. Fines- financial penalties, size depends on offence, ability to pay and if its a repeat. discharge- a conditional discharge involves the offender committing no further offence for a given period.
formal sanctions: police
cautions- warnings given out by police or crown prosecution. conditional cautions- mean you have to stick to certain rules. penalty notice for disorder- can be used for minor crimes such as shoplifting.
