AC1.1 Flashcards
define Norms and give an example
expected ways of behaving in a given situation
eg in britain you are expected to give up your seat for an elderly person
define Values and give an example
general principles or guidelines for how we should live our lives. they tell us what is acceptable/unacceptable
eg there is an emphasis on doing well in education to gain employment
define moral code
the term moral code is often used to describe a set of basic rules, values and principles held by an individual, group organisation or society as a whole.
moral code of ethics may be written down. for example, the Police Code Of ethics is a written guide to the core principles and standard that officers are expected to uphold in their work
the Police Code
The Police Code lays down nine policing principles: accountability, integrity, openness, fairness, leadership, respect, honesty, objectivity and selflessness, for instance, the principles of fairness requires officers to opposed discrimination and make decisions without prejudice. some police forces now require officers to sign the Code to show their commitment to its principle
Forms of deviance
is behaviour that goes against the dominant social norms of a specific group or society, which caused some kind of critical reaction or disapproval. these social norms/rules tend to be unwritten rules of acceptable behaviour. deviant behaviour depend upon the situation and the culture. a person who is deviant in one country might be considered perfectly normal in another. deviant behaviour is not always criminal behaviour
Forms of deviance
admired behaviour - because that is insult and good. eg risking your own life to save another
odd behaviour - behaviour this is unusually and bizarre eg Hoarding
Bad behaviour - behaviour that is usually and bad or disapproved of. eg physically attacking another
briefly explain why the deviance of bad behaviour is most relevant for criminologists
it helps them understand why individuals break societal norms and laws. Criminologists study deviance to analyze the social, psychological, and economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior. By examining how and why certain actions are labeled as deviant, they can explore patterns of crime, the effectiveness of legal responses, and the impact of societal reactions. This understanding helps in developing crime prevention strategies, improving rehabilitation efforts, and shaping policies to reduce criminal activity.
why do societies have different ideas about deviance? give an example
because norms, values, and cultural beliefs vary across different regions, time periods, and social groups. What is considered deviant in one society may be acceptable or even encouraged in another. Factors such as religion, history, legal systems, and social attitudes influence these perceptions.
For example, drinking alcohol is widely accepted in many Western countries, but in some Islamic societies, it is considered deviant and even illegal due to religious beliefs. This shows how cultural and legal differences shape what is seen as deviant behavior.
Formal Sanctions
these are imposed by official bodies such as police, courts, schools and other institutions. they are punishments for breaking formal written rules or laws. for example, courts may fine an offender for theft
informal sanctions
these are used where rules are not formally written down and are perhaps ‘unspoken’. when someone breaks these rules, others show their disapproval in informal ways, such as refusing to speak to them, telling them off etc
positive sanctions
sanctions can also be positive, such as rewards for behaviour that society approves of. eg medals for bravery. like negative sanctions, they can be formal or informal
social control
all sanctions, formal and informal, positive or negative, are forms of social control - that is, ways in which society seeks to control our behaviour and ensure that we confirm to its norms and behave as others expect us to
Describe two informal sanctions that are used to address deviant behaviour (4 marks)
One informal sanction is being told off by a parent, this is used to address deviant behaviour such as not listening to a parent or not following the household expectations. This is an example of a negative sanction as it aims to discourage the person from behaving in that way in the future. This Informal sanction is a form of social control, this is how society seeks to
control our behaviour and ensure that we conform to society’s norms and
values.
Another informal sanction would be refusing to talk to a friend if they had
behaved in a deviant way. This shows disapproval of their behaviour. This is
another example of a negative sanction as the individual is being punished
for their actions as opposed to being rewarded. Both of these examples are
informal because they are not imposed by an official body or organisation and they are in response to acts that don’t break any formal or written rules
Defining criminal behaviour
The legal definition of criminal behaviour
An act that breaks the law. This can be punished by imprisonment, a fine or community service
Defining criminal behaviour
The social definition of criminal behaviour
An act that offends society
Most criminal offences require the prosecution to establish beyond all reasonable doubt that the accused has committed a criminal action and that this was committed with intent. This can be illustrated by the maxim ‘An act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is guilty’
A crime therefore has two elements:
Actus reus - guilty act
Mens rea - guilty mind
In most crimes, both of these must be present to secure a conviction. Unless both elements are present, there is no crime. Some crimes do not require mens rea these are known as strict liability crimes. These include offences such as speeding, health and safety and food hygiene. Even if both elements of the actus reus and mens rea were present, a defence such as self defence could mean a person might be found not guilty
Actus Reus and Mens Rea
For example: murder
Actus reus - unlawful killing, Human being, within the Queen’s peace
Mens Rea - Malice aforethought, i.e an intention to kill or an intention to cause GBH which results in the death of the victim
Acts that are criminal
Give examples of the two types of offences in UK law
Summary offences
Indictable Offences
Acts that are criminal
Briefly explain the two types of offences in UK law
Summary offences - these are less serious offences such as speeding. They are tried by magistrates
Indictable offences - these are more serious offences, such as rape or murder. They are tried in a Crown Court before a judge or jury. The sentences that can be imposed are more severe
Subject matter of the offence
Crimes can be classified in terms of the nature of the act itself.
What are the main categories of indictable offences and examples:
Violence against a person - eg domestic violence, harassment
Sexual offences - eg rape, sexual assault
Offences against property - eg theft, vehicle offences
Fraud and forgery - fraudulent sales of goods, romance scams
Criminal damage - arson
Drug offences - possession, supply of drugs
Public order offences - riot, violent disorder
Name the two types of formal sanctions
Court sanctions
Police sanctions
Court sanctions
1) custodial sentences - applied to serious crimes when an offender receives a prison sentence
2) community sentences - served in the community
- a discharge can also be provided - offender not committing an offence for a given time period
Police sanctions
1) cautions - is a warning given by the police of magistrate for anyone over the age of 10. (Must agree to the caution - can be arrested if you don’t agree)
2) conditional cautions - sticking to rules of treatments e.g drug treatment
3) penalty notice - applied to minor crimes, paying a fee etc (if it is not paid can go to court)
