Crim 1 Flashcards
What influences the definition of criminal behavior in different societies?
Cultural norms and values
The perception of what is considered criminal varies significantly across cultures.
What is polygamy?
The practice of having more than one spouse
Polygyny refers to a man having multiple wives, while polyandry refers to a woman having multiple husbands.
How is bigamy defined in the UK?
Marrying another person while still married to a previous partner
Bigamy carries a custodial sentence of up to 7 years in the UK.
Why do laws regarding polygamy vary across cultures?
Influence of religion and tradition
In some cultures, polygamy is socially accepted, while in others, it is illegal due to religious beliefs.
In which communities is polygamy legal?
In some Muslim majority communities
Polygamy is permitted in the Qur’an, influencing its legality in these cultures.
What is the legal status of homosexuality in many countries?
Regarded as criminal behavior in approximately 70 countries
Male homosexuality is illegal in 70 countries; lesbian relationships are illegal in 45 countries.
What is the punishment for homosexuality in some countries?
Death penalty
Some countries impose severe penalties, including the death penalty, for homosexual acts.
What role does religion play in the criminalization of homosexuality?
Religious beliefs influence societal attitudes and laws
Secular societies tend to be more accepting, while religiously influenced cultures often criminalize homosexuality.
How does public opinion affect the legality of homosexuality?
Majority opposition can lead to criminalization
In cultures where most people oppose homosexuality, it is more likely to remain illegal.
What is the legal consequence of cannabis possession in the UK?
Custodial sentence of up to 5 years
Supplying cannabis can result in a sentence of up to 14 years.
How do attitudes towards cannabis vary globally?
Different societies have different legal stances on cannabis
Some countries, like Canada, have decriminalized its use, while others impose strict penalties.
What alternative sanctions may be used for less serious cannabis offenses?
Monetary fines
Not all cannabis offenses lead to imprisonment; alternatives may be employed depending on the severity.
Fill in the blank: In the UK, supplying cannabis can result in a custodial sentence of up to ______ years.
14
True or False: Homosexuality is legal in all countries.
False
Many countries still classify homosexuality as a criminal behavior.
What year did homosexuality become decriminalised for men over 21
1966
What year was the age of consent for homosexuality reduced to 18
1994
What year was the age of consent for homosexuality lowered to 16- the same as heterosexual sex
2000
What did The Homosexual Law Reform Society lead to..
The campaign and other pressure groups, such as Stonewall, have led to further changes to laws around homosexuality
What did politicians do to help the change for laws around homosexuality
2010 Equality act, made it illegal to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation (9 protected characteristics)
What did human rights do for the change in homosexuality laws
Members of society want the freedom to be who they want to be and live as they want to live. Human rights have influenced lawmakers to improve the law and a ensure people’s rights
The Wolfenden
John Wolfenden set up a committee of professionals in the 1950s after a sharpe increase in the number of homosexual men that were convicted of breaking the law. This influenced law makers leading to the change in 1967
What’s the biggest change in drug laws
The classification of what is and isn’t illegal behaviour
One reason why drug laws have changed in the past
Due to changes in society ls perception of drug use
Reason for change in the drug laws
Access to and availability of drugs
