Crime and the Law Flashcards
Different Courts in Scotland
Justice of the Peace courts
Sheriff Court
Court of Session
High Court
What are the range of verdicts in Scotland
Guilty
Not Guilty
Not proven - Not enough evidence to prove case beyond reasonable doubt
If someone was to break the speed limit, what would there punishment be and why?
They would be given points on their licence or a ban from driving because they are a danger to the public and other drivers
Punishment and procedure of the JP court
maximum punishment of 60 days in prison or £2500 fine or both
Summary procedure
minor offences such as breach of the peace, drunk and disorderly, minor traffic offences .etc.
punishment and procedure of the high court
the punishment is unlimited
solemn procedure but there can be up to 3 judges and juries
very serious crimes such as murder, rape, fraud
punishment and procedure of the sheriff court
summary procedure- Up to 3 months in prison or £5000 fine
solemn procedure - up to 3years in prison or an unlimited fine
serious crimes such as assault, drugs, theft
Punishment and procedure of the court of session
judge can decide punishment based on complaint
Summary procedure but can be up to 3 judges
For complaints - eviction
Different types of crime
Sexual Offences - Rape, prostitution, sexual harassment
Non sexual crimes of violence- murder, attempted murder, serious assault, robbery
Traffic crime- vehicle defect, anything involving using a vehicle unlawfully
Damage of Property- Vandalism, arson
Crimes of dishonesty- Theft, House breaking, fraud, shop lifting
Causes of crime
Social- exclusion from school, lack of self esteem, peer pressure
Upbringing- family member involved in crime, physical abuse, lack of positive role model
Geographical- area of deprivation, lack of facilities
Economic- Social exclusion, poverty, recession, unable to claim benefits to support family
What is the biological and social explanations for crime
- Suggests people are born into crime
- Suggests crime is cause by the condition that people live in, especially the environment
Impact of crime on the offender
affected by the label that may make it difficult to get a job
Label makes the criminal think they should live up to it, resulting in reoffending
Family may disassociate themselves, leaving the offender alone
Impact of Crime on the victim
How can they be helped
Affected by their fear that a similar situation might happen again
lack of sleep or nightmares
Trauma or PTSD ( health conditions)
VICTIM SUPPORT CAN HELP!
What do individualists suggest
It is the individuals choice to commit a crime
What does a socialist suggest
That society creates the conditions for crime
