AC1.2 Flashcards
what does explain mean
Identify,interpret and outline the key features of a set issue
what do we mean when we say that crime is socially constructed
This means that society decides on what criminal behaviour is/is not
What is jaywalking
crossing at a non designated crossing point
Where and why does the law change on jay walking
The law changes on jaywalking in the UK. in most urban areas such as the USA jaywalking is illegal. However, in the uk it is not illegal this changes due to public opinion
what is polygamy
The practice of having more than one husband/wife
Where and why does the law on polygamy change
The law on polygamy is illegal in most countries but is legal in india and malaysia. The law changes due to different norms/values
What is homosexuality
Sexual attraction to a person of the same sex
Why did the law on homosexuality change
-illegal in 72 countries
-In 1967 the Sexual Offences Act was passed which decriminalised private homosexual acts between men aged over 21
-age of consent then changed from 21 to 16
-Changed due to religious beliefs and public opinion
Ruth Ellis
-murdered her domestic abusing husband
-got the death penalty
Derek bentley
-Shouted let em have it and his friend shot at the police officer and killed him
-speculated on what he really meant
-sentenced to death
differential enforcement of the law
-how laws are applied differently
e.g. murder as a result of domestic violence
Age of criminal responsibility
-two people may commit the same crime but be treated differently because of their age
-the age of criminal responsibility is 10
-venables case
Homicide
Defendant can plead not guilty based on 3 grounds
1. diminished responsibility (unbalanced mental state)
2. loss of control
3. automatism
Case example of diminished responsibility
Alexander lewis ranwell
. Triple killer
. He killed three pensioners because he was convinced that they were pedophiles
. not guilty of murder due to insanity
