Ac1.2 Explain the social construction of criminality Flashcards
Give examples of how laws change from culture to culture and how.
Polygamy- More than 1 wife. Polygamy is legal in 58 countries. In the UK the punishment is up to 7 years imprisonment. Mainly muslim countries it’s legal in. Qur’an permits man to have up to 7 wives. Legal in certain places in Africa due to tradition.
Adultery- Sexual act between 2 people where 1 is married. Sexual act can vary from culture to culture. Deviant and immoral in UK but not criminal. Criminal in majority of muslim countries and some African Christian countries and 21 US states. Saudi punishment is stoning. USA is a fine. Punishment varies.
Homosexuality- Legal in Uk,Europe, South America etc. Crime in many muslim countries. Illegal in 72 countries for male homo. Illegal in 45 for female homo. This due to sexism as women aren’t capable of same sex attraction. Countries religion is a big factor in it’s legality. Punishments can vary from fines to death.
Give examples of some laws change over time and how.
Prostitution- Street Offences Act 1959 made it illegal. 2022- people calling for decriminalisation of it with appropriate regulation.
Homosexuality- Sexual Offences Act made it legal in 1967 for ages 21+. 1994 it was decreased to 18+. 2000 it was decreased to 16+. 2004 permitted civil partnerships and in 2014 the law changed to allow same sex marriage.
Smoking- Smoking used to be accepted and doctors gave them out in 1950s. The Health Act made it illegal in 2006 to smoke in enclosed places and workplaces. 2012 made it illegal for shops to display cigarettes. 2015 made it illegal for smoking in vehicles with an U18 present. Advanced health knowledge lead to these stricter laws.
Vagrancy- Vagrancy Act 1824 made beggars rogues and vagabonds illegal to decrease crime. Disused as society realise there are reasons for homelessness. Recent surge of prosecutions for this offence. Sympathy is high leading to calls to decriminalise this law.
Give examples of some laws change in different places and how.
Drugs- weed is illegal in UK. New York it is legal. Certain countries allow heroine or cocaine use. Certain countries hold belief it will help decrease crime rate.
Jaywalking- Legal in UK. Illegal in most urban areas such as USA, Canada, Singapore and Poland.
Give examples of some laws are applied differently according to circumstances and how.
Moral panics- London riots 2011 anybody who committed theft was given more severe sentences than normal. Done to deter others acting this way.
Age of Criminal Responsibility- Child below certain age may not understand their crime so will be treated more leniently. Engalnd and Wales have lowest in Europe at age 10.
Homicide- People who suffer from “loss of control” through fear or anger or “diminished responsibility” will be given a reduced sentence of voluntary manslaughter.
