Compare criminal behaviour and deviance

Question 1

What is the social definition of criminal behaviour?

Answer 1

Crime is a label from ‘social interaction’ or a wrong against the community, if society says that an act is a crime then it becomes one

Question 2

What is the legal definition of criminal behaviour?

Answer 2

It is the legal system that defines a crime such as behaviour that breaks the law which is punished by the legal system

Question 3

Name the three non-court sanctions and give an explanation (formal sanctions)

Answer 3

• cautions = they are administered by the police for minor crimes such as doing graffiti
• conditional cautions = given by the police but the individual must agree to certain rules and restrictions
• penalty notices = they are given for offences such as shoplifting or possession of drugs, but they can only be given to those aged 18 or over

Question 4

Name the four court sanctions and give an explanation (formal sanctions)

Answer 4

• custodial sentences = when an individual is immediately sent to prison.
• community sentences = it can be combination order which includes unpaid work, probation, curfew …
• fines = financial penalties, the amount depends on the seriousness of the offence and the financial circumstances of the offender
• discharge = if the offender reoffends during a set time period the court can give an alternative sentence

Question 5

What is the definition of deviance?

Answer 5

Deviance is an act that is not against the law but it goes against society’s social norms and it normally gains disapproval from society

Question 6

What is the definition of norms?

Answer 6

Norms are social expectations that guide behaviour and explain why people act in the way that they do

Question 7

What is the definition of moral codes?

Answer 7

Are morals or good ways of behaving

Question 8

What is the definition of values?

Answer 8

Rules that are shared by most people in a given culture

Question 9

what can informal sanctions include for deviance?

Answer 9

• frowning upon behaviour
• name calling
• labelling behaviour

Question 10

What can formal sanctions include for deviance?

Answer 10

• fines
• imprisonment

Question 11

What are the three forms of deviance? (give an explanation)

Answer 11

• admired behaviour = deviant but considered good or admirable
• odd behaviour = deviant by being odd or different from what is considered the norm
• bad behaviour = deviant because it is bad such as assault