AC1.2 Cultural differences in criminality Flashcards
What is polygamy?
Being married to more than one person at once
What are the UK laws on polygamy?
It is illegal under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973
What are laws on polygamy in other cultures?
Acceptable in some other communities, such as certain Middle Eastern, North African, East Asian, European and North American communities
What is bigamy?
Marrying someone when you are already married to someone else
What are UK laws on bigamy?
Criminal offence under Section 57 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
What is adultery?
Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who isn’t their spouse
What are the UK laws on adultery?
It was a crime in the UK until 1857, until it was changed under the Matrimonial Causes Act
What are laws on adultery in other cultures?
It is still illegal in 21 American states, Iran, Saudia Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia
What is homosexuality?
Relationships between people of the same sex
What are UK laws on homosexuality?
Homosexuality was illegal in the UK until 1967, when it was decriminalised.
What are laws on homosexuality in other cultures?
Homosexuality is still criminalised in 69 countries and was illegal in many US states until 2014
What is cannabis?
A Class B drug and the most commonly used illegal drug in the UK
What are UK laws on cannabis?
It is illegal to posses cannabis. Possesion can result in up to 5 years and prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying can result in up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine
What are laws on cannabis in other cultures?
Recreational use decriminalised in several countries including Portugal, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica, Luxembourg and the Netherlands
Why is the law enforced differently in some cases compared to others?
Moral panic can lead to harsher sanctions (e.g. 2011 London Riots). Chambliss argues working class are policed more harshly due to police typifications (Cicourel).
