crime and deviance Flashcards
what is the SOCIAL definition of crime?
an act that offends society
what is DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR?
behaviour that goes against the dominant norms of a specific group or society which causes some kind of critical reaction or disapproval
examples of DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR
- being unhygienic
- full body tattoos/piercings
- not giving up your seat for priority people
- cross-dressing
why is the SOCIAL definition of a “criminal” difficult to define?
the idea of what a criminal is can vary e.g.
- between age groups
- over time
- between countries
what are NORMS?
social expectations that guide behaviour and explain why people act the way they do
example of NORMS
wearing a white wedding dress in the UK - whereas in china, white is the colour of mourning
what are VALUES?
rules shared by most people in a given culture - what people feel should happen
examples of VALUES
respecting the elderly
what is the MORAL CODE?
knowing what is right from wrong - moral/good ways of living
examples of a MORAL CODE
- assaulting a pensioner
- murder
what effects do DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR and CRIME have on society?
- crime and deviance can threaten norms and values in society when people dont share the same values or abide by the same norms as the rest of society
- people who deviate from the norms of society can often lead to hostility or conflict which threatens the harmony of society
what are INFORMAL SANCTIONS?
sanctions not imposed by official organisations - imposed by society when unwritten rules/norms are broken
examples of INFORMAL SANCTIONS against deviance
- name calling
- parents grounding children
- suspension in schools
what are FORMAL SANCTIONS?
imposed by the police and courts - police will punish people for breaking the rules of law
examples of FORMAL SANCTIONS against deviance
- fines
- imprisonment
what is the LEGAL definition of crime?
an act that breaks the law which can be punished by imprisonment, a fine, or community service
what is COMMUNITY SERVICE?
unpaid work in your local community
what are the 2 elements of crime?
ACTUS REUS and MENS REA
what does ACTUS REUS mean?
guilty act
what does MENS REA mean?
guilty mind
what are STRICT LIABILITY OFFENCES?
crimes that ONLY need the ACTUS REUS and the MENS REA DOESNT have to be proven
what is the purpose of strict liability?
the imposition of legal responsibility for damages or injuries even if the party at fault didnt intend to cause harm or wasnt negligent in their actions
examples of STRICT LIABILITY OFFENCES
- speeding
- statutory rape (sexual intercourse with a minor)
- fare dodging (not paying fares)
examples of defences used in court
- intoxication
- self defence
- insanity
- infancy
- consent
what FORMAL SANCTIONS can be put in place against criminals?
- prison
- community service
- fines
- discharges = where the court find you guilty but you arent given a sentence as the crime is too minor - still get a criminal record
