AC 1.2 Flashcards
AC 1.2: Explain the social construct of crime
What are the 3 ways laws are applied differently due to circumstances.
- Differential enforcement of the law
- Age of criminal responsibility
- Homocide defences
What are the homocide defences?
Whloss of control, automatism (voluntary act) and diminished responsibility (mental illness)
What is the age of criminality in England, Wales and Scotland?
- England - 10
- Wales - 10
- Scotland -12
What is meant by differential enforcement of law?
That laws are not always enforced equally. This can be dependant on typifications, and due to moral panic. For example the London Riots 2011.
What is the social construct of criminality?
An “idea” made through cultural or social processes. As society changes over time, ideas about crime also change.
Examples of crimes changing over time…
Prositiution, Homosexuality, Racism, terrorism.
Examples of crimes changing from place to place…
Female genital mutation (FGM), abortion, homosexuality, jay-walking
Examples of crime changing from culture to culture…
FGM, Polygamy, adultery, homosexuality,
Jay-walking…
Illegal in America to cross a road when not on a crossing, but nit illegal in the UK.
homosexuality…
Illegal in Dubai but not illegal in the UK.
FGM…
Illegal in the UK, but not in many African countries.
How has homosexuality change over time?
1533: Punishable by death.
1885: homosexual acts between men led to life imprisonment.
1967: decriminalised in England and Wales.
2005: Same sex adoption
2010: Equality act
2014: Same sex marriage
How has terrorism changed over time?
2000: Terrorism act - police can stop and search without need for suspicion.
2001: Anti-terrorism act
2006: Terror act - Hold terror suspects without charge for 90 days.
An example of a social construct…
Gender and gender stereotypes.
