Compare Criminal and Deviant Behaviour Flashcards
What is the social definition of a crime?
Behaviour or activity that offends the social code of a particular community
What is the legal definition of a crime?
An act that breaks the law. Crime is an international violation of the criminal laws.
What are the 2 ways crimes can be punished
Formally and informally
What does actus reus mean?
A guilty act
What does mens rea mean?
A guilty mind
What does deviancy mean?
A behaviour that goes against the social norms of a specific group or society. This can differ between cultures and/or the situation
What are the 3 types of deviancy?
- Unusual and good
- Unusual and eccentric
- Unusual and bad
Why are crime and deviancy hard to define?
They are both social constructs so what they mean changes from person to person
What are 3 examples of deviant acts?
Hoarding newspapers, walking barefoot and being a part of a subculture
What are 3 examples of criminal acts?
Illegally downloading music, speeding and stealing baby food
What are 3 examples of acts that are both criminal and deviant?
Murdering someone, cannibalism and being homeless
What are the 3 types of criminal offences?
- Summary only offences
- Triable either way offences
- Indictable offences
Define a summary only offence?
A less serious offence ,like stealing, that is always tried in the magistrates courts
Define a triable either way offence?
Middle tier serious offences, like drug dealing, that are either heard in the crown courts or the magistrates courts
Define a indictable offence?
The most serious offences, like murder, that are always heard in the crown courts
What are 3 types of indictable offence?
- Assault (violence against a person)
- Rioting (public order offence)
- Arson (criminal damage)
What are the 2 types of sanctions?
Formal sanctions and informal sanctions
Define a formal sanction and give an example.
A punishment imposed by official bodies such as the police and the court.
Example: prison
Define an informal sanction and give an example.
A punishment that is given by society as a way of showing their disproval towards their behaviour.
Example: public shaming
Define a caution and the type of crime it is given for.
A warning given by the police or the crown prosecution for minor crimes like graffiti.
Define a conditional caution and the type of crime it is given for.
Certain restrictions that an offender has to follow like getting treatment for drug abuse.
Define a penalties notice and the type of crime it is given for.
This is a payment the offender must make to not get convicted for it, these are given for minor crimes.
Define what a custodial sentence.
When you are imprisoned or put in a young offenders institute.
Define what a community sentence is.
It is a punishment that is served in a community rather than custody.
