ac 1.2 - application of laws according to circumstances

Question 1

differential enforcement

Answer 1

different applications of the law in different circumstances

Question 2

moral panic

Answer 2

when the public panics too much over an incident due to the medias over reporting of the crime

Question 3

labelling

Answer 3

when people/groups are associated with something or acting a certain way (a stereotype). this usually happens due to media interference

Question 4

self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer 4

if someone continuously tells you your re something you eventually internalise it and act that way, e.g. if someone keeps treating you as a criminal you’ll eventually become one

Question 5

how might these things affect how the police and courts apply law to different people/groups

Answer 5

due to labelling they may have already formed ideas on those convicted or on certain people/groups on the street whether it be when they’re being tried by the court or the police are patrolling. this could lead to wrongful arrests and convictions being made. as well as this, labelling can contribute to the self fulfilling prophecy which may lead to n increase in criminal behaviour for those who otherwise may not have participated in it. moral panic tend to lead to a crackdown being called for by the public which, in tune, leads to more arrests and harsher sentencing.