crime and deviance - exam questions

Question 1

explain the legal definition of crime (6 MARKS)

Answer 1

• a crime is an act or offence that is punishable by law
• if someone commits an act that is against the law, they can be punished according to the law with either a fine, a prison sentence, a discharge, or community service
• examples of crimes include murder, theft, littering, and rape
• in order for someone to be convicted of a crime, they need to be proven to have both an ‘actus reus’, or guilty act, and ‘mens rea’, the guilty mind
• however, strict liability offences only need the ‘actus reus’ and the ‘mens rea’ doesnt have to be proven
• examples of strict liability offences include statutory rape and speeding
• defences can also be used to defend the offender and lessen or dismiss the sentence
• defences include self defence, intoxication, and infancy