Comparing Crime And Deviance (unit 2)

Question 1

Social and legal definition of crime?

Answer 1

Social- a crime is a behaviour or activity that offends the social code of a particular community.

Legal- a crime is an illegal act that is punishable by law.

Question 2

Definition of Deviance?

Answer 2

Deviance refers to behaviour that does not conform to societies norms or rules.

If a person behaves deviant and is discovered, it can lead to public disapproval and negative sanctions. Some deviant acts are also illegal.

We judge deviant behaviour depending on social setting. Depends on views.

Question 3

What is the ACTUS REUS and MENS REA?

Answer 3

ACTUS REUS- means the guilty act

MENS REA- means a guilty mind

Example- if a person takes a knife and kills a person, the actus reus is the act of stabbing and the mens rea is the intention to kill.

Question 4

Formal and informal sanctions for crime?

Answer 4

Formal- custodial sentences,
Community sentences, fines, discharge.

Informal- cautions, conditional cautions, penalty notices.

Question 5

Formal and informal sanctions for deviance?

Answer 5

Informal- frowning, ignoring behaviour, labelling behaviour, parents grounding a child, use of detentions in school.

Formal- fines, imprisonment.

Question 6

Forms of deviance?

Answer 6

Admired behaviour- deviant but in a good way (risking your life for a stranger)

Odd behaviour- being different to the norm (heavily tattooed)

Bad behaviour- criminal (assaulting the elderly)