Crime and Law

Question 1

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a social cause of crime (Peer Pressure)

Answer 1

Point - One social cause of crime is Peer Pressure

Explain - Peer pressure is when a person feel as though they need to act a certain way to fit in with a certain group of people. Many young people commit crimes to try and fit in with their peers, or to have a sense of belonging.

Example - For Example, the peak age of carrying less serious offences is between 15 and 17 years old, when many young people experience peer pressure

Question 2

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a social cause of crime (Drugs and Alcohol)

Answer 2

Point - One social cause of crime is alcohol or drug dependency

Explain - People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol may need to commit crime in order to fund their habit. Whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol, some people may be more likely to commit a crime because substances have an affect on their behaviour

Example - For Example, it is estimated that in Scotland 45% of crime that involves theft is carried out by heroin users

Question 3

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail an economic cause of crime (Poverty)

Answer 3

Point - One economic cause of crime is poverty

Explain - People who are on very low income may be unable to meet their needs or afford the material goods which others have and may turn to crime, such as stealing as a result because they see no other option. People who have grown up in poverty are also less likely to gain qualifications which allow them to get a well paid job

Example - For Example, a high number of prisoners come from the poorest areas in Scotland such as Shettleston and also struggle with basic numeracy and literacy skills

Question 4

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail an economic cause of crime (Greed)

Answer 4

Point - One economic cause of crime is greed

Explain - People may commit crime as they see it as a way of gaining large amounts of money easily. Crimes like fraud can result in the criminals earning vast amounts of money and having lavish lives styles

Example - For Example, In 2001 Edward McLaren was found guilty of fraud, and estimated to have stolen £2.4 million, funding a rich lifestyle

Question 5

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a biological cause of crime (Gender)

Answer 5

Point - One biological cause of crime is a persons gender

Explain - Men have higher levels of the hormone called ‘Testosterone’ than women which often makes them historically more aggressive and prone to higher risk taking. This aggression or risk taking could make them more likely to take part in violent crimes

Example - For Example, in 2017 around 90% of all prisoners in Scottish prisoners were male compared to 10% who are female, and 95% of violent crimes were committed by men

Question 6

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a biological cause of crime (Mental Health Issues)

Answer 6

Point - One biological cause of crime is that a person may have a mental disorder

Explain - Someone with the mental disorder psychopathy lack remorse or do not have the ability to feel empathy towards others

Example - For Example, Stephen Griffiths was known as the “Crossbow Cannibal” had been diagnosed with psychopathy decades before he killed, dismembered and ate 3 women in England

Question 7

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on the perpetrator (Revolving door of crime)

Answer 7

Point - One consequence of crime on the perpetrator is the revolving door of crime

Explain - For people who commit crime it can have a long term impact, of making them more likely to be poor and commit crime again. Reoffending is a common problem in Scotland, this is when someone who has been found guilty of committing a crime, commits another crime after being released.

Example - For Example, recent statistics show the reoffending rate in Scotland as 28%

Question 8

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on the perpetrator (Damages future prospects)

Answer 8

Point - One consequence of crime on the perpetrator is that it damages the criminals future prospects

Explain - Being convicted of a crime can damage a person financially as they can lose their job or their future prospects could’ve been damaged

Example - For Example, most people lose their jobs when they go to jail and the vast majority of employers ask about previous convictions before employing any new applicants

Question 9

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail one consequence of crime on the victim (Emotional Impact)

Answer 9

Point - One consequence of crime is that it can have a negative emotional impact on the victim

Explain - If you are the victim of crime, knowing that someone has deliberately tried to cause you harm can make people feel powerless and vulnerable. The emotional side effects have shown to last longer than the physical impact such as bruises

Example - For Example, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common amongst victims of crimes such as domestic abuse or racism

Question 10

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail one consequence of crime on the victim (Physical Impact)

Answer 10

Point - Another consequence of crime on the victim is that they can be negatively impacted physically

Explain - Violent crimes can result in the victim being temporarily or permanently damaged physically, with many victims suffering life changing injuries

Example - For Example, in Scotland 4% of all crimes involved the victim being subjected to violence

Question 11

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on families (Emotional Impact)

Answer 11

Point - One consequence of crime on families is the negative emotional impact

Explain - If a loved one is imprisoned this can result in the family missing the imprisoned family member, and the emotional support that they would have provided. Many younger family members in particular describe the distress of missing a parent who is in jail

Example - For Example, many families miss out on sharing events such as Christmas, and birthdays as their loved one is imprisoned

Question 12

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on families (Financial Impact)

Answer 12

Point - One consequence of crime on families is a negative financial impact

Explain - The families of prisoners may experience financial strain as their income is decreased as the family member who is in jail can no longer work. It can also be expensive to visit jail and contact family members

Example - For Example, many families have to pay make phone calls to their relative in jail and also provide them with money

Question 13

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on the community (Negative impact on an area physically)

Answer 13

Point - One consequence of crime on the community is that it can impact an area negatively physically

Explain - Areas with high levels of crime can contribute to “environmental poverty” and can lead to depopulation of areas with high levels of crime. This area can become run down and means there is a high level of vandalism and graffiti

Example - For Example, the Calton area of Glasgow has had a problem with high levels of crime resulting in graffiti and damage to community facilities

Question 14

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on the community (Community Spirit)

Answer 14

Point - One consequence of crime on the community is it can damage community spirit

Explain - People may tend to keep themselves to themselves for fear of harassment. People may avoid going out or avoid going to public spaces where groups of rowdy youths hang for fear of potential attack

Example - For Example, the high number of assaults in Shettleston, Glasgow could lead to residents being afraid to visit certain areas

Question 15

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on the wider community (Economy)

Answer 15

Point - One consequence of crime on the wider community is the negative effect on the economy

Explain - Crimes such as shoplifting and fraud cost UK businesses lots of money. This can have a negative impact on the businesses profits and could ultimately result in businesses becoming bankrupt and employees becoming unemployed

Example - For Example, the Scottish government estimated that crime cost the UK economy £5 Billion in 2015

Question 16

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a consequence of crime on the wider community (Taxation)

Answer 16

Point - One consequence of crime on the wider community is increased taxation, as the government needs to pay for the services to prevent crime

Explain - Both the UK and Scottish governments spend billions of pounds dealing with the consequences of crime. To do this the government must either increase taxes or spend more from the tax revenue they have collected. Therefore, if crime levels rise, there will be less money for other services such as education and healthcare

Example - For Example, in 2015 the cost of policing in Scotland was £1.75 billion

Question 17

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail the structure of criminal courts in Scotland (High Court)

Answer 17

Point - The court system in the UK has different levels of court. One court in Scotland that is used is the High Court

Explain - The High Court is used for the most serious crimes such as murder and rape. The verdict will be decided by a jury, and the judge has a wide range of sentencing powers

Example - For Example, the judge can sentence someone to life in prison if found guilty

Question 18

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail the structure of criminal courts in Scotland (Sheriff Court)

Answer 18

Point - Another court used in Scotland is the Sheriff Court

Explain - These courts deal with less serious crimes such as assault and theft. Depending on how serious the case is, some verdicts will be decided by the judge alone

Example - For Example, the sentencing powers available to the judge include 12 months in prison and fine up to £10,000

Question 19

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail describe the key features of the Child Hearing System (Emphasis on care)

Answer 19

Point - One of the key features of the Child Hearing System is that there is an emphasis on care

Explain - The Child Hearing System is focused on what is best for the child or young person. The Child Hearing System avoids sending the child or young person through the adult court system which may intimidate them.

Example - For example, the Child Hearing System is far more relaxed informal environment in order to make it more ‘child friendly’

Question 20

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail describe the key features of the Child Hearing System (Variety of Actions)

Answer 20

Point - Another key feature of the Child Hearing System is that the variety of actions that is available

Explain - The panel can decide that no further action is needed, however they can also put in place a ‘Supervision Requirement’ which could include placing the child or the young person in secure accommodation if they believe it was required

Example - For example, since 2004 an option is available to requite the child or young person to wear an electronic tag to restrict their movements

Question 21

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail why criminal courts in Scotland are effective in tackling crime (Prison)

Answer 21

Point - One way that courts are effective in tackling crime is that they have the power to imprison people

Explain - The three different courts have different types of sentencing powers available and this ensures that people who commit serious crimes are punished, as they have their freedom removed

Example - For Example, the High Court can issue life sentences

Question 22

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail why criminal courts in Scotland are effective in tackling crime (Rehabilitation)

Answer 22

Point - Another way criminal courts are effective in tackling crime is that they can help rehabilitate offenders

Explain - Courts can sentence criminals to attend rehabilitation programs to help criminals turn their lives around by tackling the underlying reasons they are offending

Example - For Example, courts in Scotland can sentence offenders to Drug Treatment and Testing orders

Question 23

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain the ways that the government has responded to crime in the UK in detail (Banning orders)

Answer 23

Point - One of the ways the UK government has responded to crime is by introducing football banning orders

Explain - This means that following a conviction for a crime that is football related the police are able to issue an order to the perpetrator from attending football matches home or away

Example - For Example, this ban can last between 3 and 10 years and this has been effective in preventing trouble makers from attending football games, reducing crime and making football matches a more friendly environment

Question 24

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain the ways that the government has responded to crime in the UK in detail (Offensive Weapons)

Answer 24

Point - Another way the UK government has responded to crime is by introducing a new Offensive Weapons Bill

Explain - This is designed to tackle knife crime and violent attacks using acids. This has created a new offence of possessing acid in a public place without a good reason

Example - For Example, it is now illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy substances that are commonly used in acid attacks. It is also illegal for bladed items, such as knives, to be purchased online and delivered to a persons house

Question 25

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail the role of the police in Scotland (Law and Order)

Answer 25

Point - The police have many roles in Scotland. One of the most important roles is maintaining law and order

Explain - The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and they do this by having uniformed officers on the streets. These uniformed officers reassure the public and ensure that the law is being obeyed

Example - For Example, these patrols may be focused on crime ‘hot spots’ were there have been increased reports of criminal activity such as underage drinking

Question 26

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail the role of the police in Scotland (Investigation)

Answer 26

Point - One role of the police is investigating crimes that have been reported

Explain - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will investigate any crimes that been reported in order to try and apprehend potential suspects. The CID will investigate crimes by interviewing suspects and forensically examining crime scenes to find evidence

Example - For Example, the CID will try to investigate serious crimes such as murder, serious assault and rape to ensure that the criminal/s are caught and punished

Question 27

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail the purpose of prisons (Punishment)

Answer 27

Point - One purpose of a prison is to punish a criminal

Explain - When a person breaks the law in the UK, a custodial sentence is the harshest punishment available. This deprives the perpetrator of their freedom, and access to their loved ones and family

Example - For Example, for family members to visit prisoners in Barlinnie prison they must register 24 hours beforehand and attend at a certain time each week for a supervised visit

Question 28

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail the purpose of prisons (Keep Public Safe)

Answer 28

Point - Another purpose of the prison is to keep the public safe

Explain - Many criminals in the UK are in jail for violent crimes and a custodial sentence restricts their ability to harm the public. If a criminal is deemed likely to commit another violent crime they will be sentenced to a longer custodial punishment

Example - For Example, for the most serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery the court can sentence the perpetrator to life imprisonment

Question 29

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a reason why custodial punishment is not an effective punishment (Cost)

Answer 29

Point - One disadvantage of prisons as a punishment is that it is a very costly punishment for the UK taxpayer

Explain - This means that the costs of a custodial punishment are very high as the government needs to pay for the prison building, food for the inmate, and the pay for prison guards

Example - For Example, the average cost of imprisoning an adult in Scotland is £37,000 a year

Question 30

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail a reason why custodial punishment is not an effective punishment (Reoffending rate)

Answer 30

Point - Another disadvantage of prison as a punishment is that those imprisoned for short periods of time are more likely to reoffend

Explain - This means that prisons who are given short terms such as less than 3 months do not gain any real help or rehabilitation from a short prison sentence

Example - For Example, the reoffending rates in Scotland for those inmates who serve a sentence of 3 months or less is 60%. This is much higher than non custodial reoffending rates

Question 31

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail why Scottish courts sometimes use alternatives to prison (Overcrowded)

Answer 31

Point - One reason Scottish courts often use alternative sentences to prison are because Scotland’s prisons are overcrowded

Explain - Scotland has more people in prison than any other country in Europe and prisons are struggling to cope. Overcrowding means that prison conditions can be inhumane for offenders, prison staff may be at risk due to being responsible for too many people, and prisons may be unable to provide adequate services to help offenders to rehabilitate

Example - For example, Barlinnie prison in Glasgow is currently over-capacity and staff and prisoners complain of a lack of training and educational services available

Question 32

Using PEE Paragraphs, Explain in detail why Scottish courts sometimes use alternatives to prison (Not effective)

Answer 32

Point - Another reason Scottish courts often use alternatives to prison is because prison is not always effective in helping a prisoner to rehabilitate and other forms of sentencing are considered to be more suitable

Explain - Many prisoners offend due to a low educational level, unemployment or drug or alcohol abuse and sentences such as a Community Payback Order or a Drug Treatment and Testing order are considered to be more effective in dealing with these issues

Example - For example, 68% of prisoners reoffend within one year whereas only 31% of those given a Community Payback Order reoffend.