AC1.1 Flashcards
What is criminal behaviour?
A form of social deviance that involves acts so serious that the state intervenes on behalf of society to forbid them (one example of a definition)
What is the legal definition of crime?
Any action that is forbidden by the criminal law
What 2 elements does D’s actions have to have (normally) for a court to consider it a crime?
Actus reus
Mens rea
What are strict liability offences?
Regulatory offences which do not require mens rea. The completion of the wrongful act alone is sufficient. E.g. food hygiene and speeding
What is self defence (use example)?
Assaulting someone deliberately is normally a criminal act. If done in self defence, it will not be a crime, so long as the force used was reasonable
What is the social definition of crime?
Acts that are deemed harmful by a society
Difficult to define - what may be accepted in one society may not be accepted in another & we live in a pluralistic society
The public often have different views of what crimes “really” are e.g. fare-dodgers and motorists who speed slightly may not see themselves as criminals
What does pluralistic society mean?
Diverse and tolerant of other beliefs
Give an example of a harmful act that is not a criminal
Pollution
Give an example of an act that is trivial but against the law
Under-age drinking
Briefly explain how differing views can affect whether an act is seen as criminal
Crimes may become socially acceptable
Briefly explain how are laws and law-making may be affected by groups in society
Influences on law making e.g. media
In what way does law enforcement affect the definition of crimes?
More serious crimes are prioritised
What are the 4 types of court sanctions?
Custodial sentences
Community sentences
Finances
Discharge
Explain in detail what a custodial sentence is
