Crime And Deviance Flashcards
what is a crime
an illegal act which is punishable by the law
give 5 examples of a crime
murdering, drunk driving, drugs, human trafficking and battery
what is deviance
behaviour that does not conform to society’s rules and norms
why is deviance a social construct
deviance is defined by the social setting it takes place in and how people react to it. It is an idea created by society
what is situational deviance
where the act takes place/the context of the act
give an example of situational deviance
normal to be naked in the shower but deviant to be naked in public
what is historical deviance
at what time period the act took place
give an example of historical deviance
slavery was not deviant in the past but now is
what is cross-cultural deviance
the society/culture the act takes place in
give an example of cross-cultural deviance
it is acceptable for members of the public to carry guns (within limits) whereas in other countries it may not be
what are formal rules
rules written down in the form of law or codes of conduct
give an example of a formal rule
not texting whilst driving
what are informal rules
guidelines on how we are expected to behave in social settings
give an example of an informal rule
queueing in a supermarket
what is social control
infers to how rules are enforced
why is social control needed
so people can live and work together without chaos.
what is formal social control
written rules and laws in order for the state to regulate and control people’s actions and behaviour
what are the agents of formal social control
the police
the courts
the government
3 points on how the police control our behaviour
enforce the law
give warnings
arrest people
give one point on how the government controls our behaviour
they can make new laws and remove old laws
give one point how the court can control our behaviour
decide whether or not you should be sentenced and the time of your sentencing
what is informal social control
unwritten laws and sanctions enforced through social pressure
what are the agents of informal social control
family
friends
media
school
what is community policing
police making personal and direct links with the members of the local community
how can community police be useful
it can be useful in communities with high number of ethnic minorities
what is zero tolerance policing
police is stricter even on minor crimes
how can zero tolerance policing be useful
can be useful in very dangerous neighbourhoods and make people feel safer
what is the functionalist view towards the role of the police in society
police protects community
spreads awareness
help the most vulnerable
what is the marxist view towards the role of the police in society
police contributes to a capitalist society
encourages obedience
won’t protect working class people
double standards
stricter on working class people
protect the elites
ignorant towards rich people crimes
what is the criminal justice system
it is part of the government that controls our behaviour and makes decisions about justice
what are the different parts of the cjs
police
crown prosecution service
magistrate’s court
crown courts
what is the role of the police in the cjs
catching offenders
what is the role of the crown prosecution service
evaluates data and evidence and decides whether a case goes to court
what is the role of the magistrate’s court
deals with less serious crimes
can impose fines up to 5000
can send individuals to prison for up to 6 months
what is the role of crown courts
deal with more serious crimes, controlled by a judge, assisted by 12 members of the public known as the jury. Able to send individuals to prison
what are the functionalist views on the court
courts are positive part of society
keep individuals under control
protect society by dangerous individuals by sending them to prison or fining them
remind people of the boundaries
media supports them
what are the marxists views on the court
courts favour the rich and powerful
