AC 4.1 Informed Policy Development (Sociologist Theories)

Question 1

Zero tolerance

Answer 1

• reinforce harshest punishments no matter how insignificant it is
• favoured by right realists, successful in fighting drugs in New York
• adopted in New York; murder rate fell by 39%, UK fell by 49%

Question 2

Penal populism

Answer 2

• media driven political processes, politicians compete to impose tough prison sentences
• based on public perception that crime is out of control
• James Bulger case; politicians couldn’t ignore public

Question 3

Zero tolerance (evaluation)

Answer 3

• aggressive policing of aggressive police
• increase of institutional racism
• not the only factor reducing crimes, other areas same impact without 0 tolerance

Question 4

Restorative justice

Answer 4

• favoured by interactionists and left realists
• victim and offenders have communication about crime that occurred
• increase in popularity led to government funding

Question 5

Restorative justice (Evaluation)

Answer 5

• studies suggest reduces PTSD, motivates offenders to turn from crime
• 85% of victims satisfied with service
• reduced frequency of reoffending