crime and deviance Flashcards
what are the 2 definitions of crime ?
social
criminal
what is social definition of crime?
offences against the community
Mower (1959)- “anti social act”
Blackburn - “injures community”
what is the legal definition of crime?
breaks the law and has an actus rea and a mens rea
what is an actus rea?
the criminal act
what is a mens rea?
the criminal intention
what is strict liability ?
where only the actus rea is needed
examples of strict liability?
food and hygiene regulations
speeding
driving without due care and attention
types of legal defences
insanity
self defence
why is it hard to define crime
no consistent definition
loopholes
what are formal sanctions?
officially recognised and can be given by police, court, prison service or government
court based sanctions
custodial sentences
community services
fines
discharge
non-court based sanctions
cautions
conditional cautions
penalty notices
what are the three types of offences?
summary offences
either way offences
indictable offences
summary offences
least serious crimes
can only be tried in magistrates court
max sentence of 6 months and £5000 fine
either way offences
range in offences
can be in the crown court or magistrates court
varied punishments
indictable offences
most serious crimes
only the crown court
max of life imprisonment
deviance definition
behaviours that go against the social norm, mores and social values
what are the 3 types of deviance?
admired behaviour
odd behaviour
bad behaviour
admired behaviour
behaviour that is good or admired while breaking social norms
odd behaviour
behaviour that while not being criminal breaks the social norm and is different
bad behaviour
deviant behaviour that is also criminal in a way that is more than being erratic
why is it hard to define deviance?
norms can change from societies and is at constant change
what are informal sanctions?
sanctions that are not legally binding and are from friends or family usually face to face like judging stares
