AC 2.1 Flashcards
How does religion reduce or prevent criminality?
Religion provides its own moral code as to what is acceptable behaviour and many follow the same lines as the law such as views on stealing, adultery and more. Where this can differ includes views on marriage, behaviour in public etc. Two examples of this are the Ten Commandments and the golden rule. Religion aligns with the law lots of the time therefore it discourages criminality.
How does upbringing reduce or prevent criminality?
People are usually raised to abide by the law and to avoid consequences. Depending on the values of an individual’s family, upbringing will dictate whether they abide by the law or not and breaking the law could cause fear of their family finding out. An example of this is Robert Thompson, who murdered James Bulger after observing domestic violence in the home with a lack of consequences. Family morals often align with the law so prevent criminality.
How do traditions reduce or prevent criminality?
Traditions are a transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. We treat one another with respect so do not attack, damage property, abuse trust etc. These values are then passed down through families and followed due to respect for tradition. Examples of these are not pushing in queues, holding doors open etc. Traditions often align with the laws guidelines so discourages criminality.
How would someone’s conscience reduce or prevent criminality?
We all have desires which could include breaking the law but it is our conscience which stops us, linking to Freude’s theory because we conform as our superego tells us to and inflicts feelings of guilt. However, some find this feeling easy to ignore. For example, individuals may not steal due to feelings of guilty or anxiety. Our conscience makes us fall in line with the law, therefore reducing criminality.
How would rational ideology reduce or prevent criminality?
Rational ideology is the internal battle of benefits against risks and experiencing conflict in what we want to do and knowing that we shouldn’t. This also links to Freud’s theory since the ego is the rational part of our brain that mediates the decision and weighs up our choices. Examples include stealing from a shop or car and revising for an exam. This reduces criminality because, if we think rationally, we will make the right choice and abide by the law.
How does internalisation of social rules reduce or prevent criminality?
We take on society’s values and expectations even if we do not necessarily agree with them, we feel guilt or moral obligation to meet those expectations. Examples of this are giving up your seat on a bus for someone who deserves it more, queueing etc. This prevents criminality since society’s rules align with the law most commonly.
What is external social control?
Sanctions and systems carried out by institutions. Actions carried out by agencies to achieve social control - encourages people to abide by the law
What is physical/violent coercion?
Used by agencies of justice to control society physically - actions/force applied to ensure compliance
What is an example of violent coercion?
Police - arrest, handcuffs, detention at police station
Courts - imposition of sentences which curb freedom e.g. unpaid work, custodial, tag
What is an example of nonviolent coercion?
Strikes and boycotts where unions pressure individuals to join their campaign and not turn up for example
What is nonviolent coercion?
This is where groups or individuals pressure others into following a certain type of behaviour
What is individual deterrence?
Individuals are dettered from committing crime due to fear of harsh sentencing, or threat of imprisonment (probation) shame or consequence
What is an example of individual deterrence?
Kay Gilderdale conditional discharge
What is general discharge?
Harsh sentences provided which can deter the public as they may want to avoid the shame or punishment provided e.g. custodial sentences
What is an example of general deterrence?
London Riots - harsh custodial sentences for minor offences to curb rioting
How do the police violently coerce?
Battons
Tazers
Making arrests
PACE 1984
Locked up in a cell
Ankle restraints
Police car
How do police act as a general deterrence?
Public arrests
Cautions
How do police act as an individual deterrence?
Police interrogation
Have to phone someone to inform of their arrest
How do the CPS coerce?
Held on remand if denied bail
Prosecute to prevent further crime and try to get harsh sentences
How do the CPS act as a general deterrence?
Criminal conviction (lack of employment etc)
Fear of being prosecuted
How do the CPS act as an individual deterrence?
Fear of prosecution
Criminal convictions
How do the courts act as a form of coercion?
Held on remand if denied bail (Bail Act 1976)
Made to wear handcuffs
Custodial/community sentences
How do the courts act as a general deterrence?
Public trial with media
Harsh sentencing e.g. custodial sentences (Lucy Letby)
How do the courts act as an individual deterrence?
Suspended sentences
Public trial
