crim unit 2 test Flashcards
what is the legal definition of crime
an act committed that violates the law and is punishable by the law.
what are the 3 things a criminal needs to have to commit crime
an actus rea - guilty mind
mens rea - guilty mind
an act voluntarily carried out
what is the social definition of crime
an act that is wrong against the community
what is deviance
behaviours that break the rule and is not considered a norm in society
what are norms and 3 examples
norms is the expected forms of behaviour
apologising, greeting other, giving up seat for elderly
what are values and 3 examples
values is how something should be
Respect, justice and freedom
what is
admired behaviour - example
odd behaviour - example
bad behaviour - example
admired behaviour - deviant but considered good saving others whilst risking your life
odd behaviour - deviant by being odd or different living with multiple cats
bad behaviour - deviant because bad
murder or rape
what are sanctions
a punishment for committing a crime
3 non court sanctions
cautions - administered by the police for minor crimes
conditional cautions - given by the police but you have to agree to certain rules and restrictions
penalty notice - given for offences like shoplifting or being drunk and causing disruptions
3 court sanctions
custodial sentences - immediately sent to prison
community sentences - forms of punishment the offender has to do like removing graffiti
fines - financial penalties
discharge - alternative sentences given if the defendant reoffends
examples of informal sanctions
name calling
labelling behaviour
ignoring behaviour
parents grounding a child
detentions
what is the biological theory of crime
how genes and other characteristics can cause criminality
Context of twin studies
there are 2 twins
monozygotic twins = share 100% DNA and identical
dizygotic twins = share 50% DNA and aren’t identical
The study shows how twins grow up separated whether is due to nature vs nurture.
Context of adoption studies
The study shows whether adoptive children are more similar to their biological parents or the environment around them that leads to criminality.
In criminality:
The child who is more similar to their biological parents than their adoptive parents, then its a genetic basis of criminality
The child who is more similar to their adoptive parents than their biological parents then an environmental argument is said.
Context of the XYY syndrome
It’s when a male has an extra chromosome that leads them to commit crime in a more aggressive and violent manner.
It is very rare every 1 in 1000 male have it.
Strengths : number of men in prison has XYY chromosomes
interventions can be placed on those who are identified at birth to reduce the likelihood of criminality
Weakness : aggression is not only associated with the XYY men.
ignores the fact there are social or environmental factors too.
Context of MAOA gene
Another genetic explanation of criminality.
The gene produces an enzyme called monoamine Oxidase which is responsible for breaking down excess neurotransmitters including dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin.
MOAOA-L is when the gene doesn’t produce enough enzymes to break down excess neurotransmitters, which leads to more aggressive actions when they are under threat, frightened or frustrated.
Strengths : it is very scientific as they tested on animals and believe humans would show the same results.
Weakness : it shows it in males but not females. So it doesn’t suggest why females are aggressive too.
what are the 2 physiological theories
Lombroso and Sheldon
Context of Lombroso theory
Believed that criminality was inherited and that criminals could be identified by physical features that are atavistic. Such as sloping forehead, sharp jawline, large ears and sharp chin.
Strengths : He did challenge tat the idea that criminals were evil or that they choose to be criminal.
Weakness : not everyone with atavistic features are criminals
racial prejudices targeted majority of African ethnics.
Sheldon theory
there are 3 body types (somatotypes) that has different personality and one is most likely to be criminal.
Endomorphic body : round shaped, underdeveloped muscles.
Love comfort, sociable and good humour
Ectomorphic body : flat chest, young appearance, tall
Self conscious, introverted and socially anxious
Mesomorphic body : muscular body, mature appearance, and rectangular shapes
Adventurous, courageous and love of risk
STRENGTH : research very scientific as he had non-offenders and offenders to investigate his theory on.
WEAKNESS : people’s somatotypes are not constant they change as they grow up.
what is individualistic theory
crime being caused by individuals based on personality or experiences they have
Context Psychological theory Eysenck
3 personalities that makes criminals excited to commit crime but slow at understanding the consequences of committing crime.
Extraversion - crave excitement but get bored easily
Neuroticism - extremely anxious and highly irrational
Psychoticism - cold uncaring and aggressive
When they have all of these personality traits they tend to offend as its difficult for them to control their immature impulses
STRENGTH : possible to intervene at their early stage of life to prevent such development such as through medical care
WEAKNESS: personalities differ as you grow up lacks reliability and in questionnaires people could lie which effect results.
Context Psychodynamic theory Feud
Negative experiences from childhood will have a negative impact in their adulthood through negative thoughts, actions and emotions. 3 personalities affect.
ID- impulsive side of out personality that is driven by pleasure and pain
EGO - realistic part of personality that strikes between the ID and Superego and makes decisions’
SUPEREGO - judgemental and morally correct
STRENGTHS : childhood experiences are seen important and not underestimated
WEAKNESS : hard to assess the unconscious mind
Context Bandura theory
People learn by watching other people such as role models and behave the same way.
Bobo doll = exposing children to adults who are aggressive and non-aggressive to see if they imitate the same actions as the adults abuse the doll or are gentle with it. This allows the children to watch and copy the same actions in an aggressive or non aggressive way.
STRENGTH : the model did have an effect on the child’s behaviour.
WEAKNESS : assumed we are passive and will imitate the behaviour of others but ignores individual personality.
