Law & Society

Question 1

Law

Answer 1

The impact of law and the orle it plays in society is an important one. The command of the sovereign backed by the sanction

Question 2

Society

Answer 2

A group of people with common territory, interaction and culture. Eg UK composed of many groups of people which has established a pluralist society where minority groups maintain their independent cultures and traditions.

Question 3

Social control

Answer 3

Formal - through social agencies such as courts (law also seen as a method of social control)
Informal - family, community etc

Question 4

Durkheim

Answer 4

Consensus theory –> suggested that people being socialised by shared values leads to changes in behaviour

Question 5

Mark

Answer 5

Conflict theory –> tries to bring change by domination and power by rich over the poor

Question 6

Becker

Answer 6

Certain groups are subject to labelling, particularly seen by the use of stop and search powers by the police

Question 7

Left realist theory

Answer 7

Considers that law can change society by improving all causes of inequality and marginalisation

Question 8

Right realist theory

Answer 8

Believes in tough measures to control crime

Question 9

Pound

Answer 9

Believed that in today’s society, the law is a more likely use of control than families or religion. The media is arguably another influence on society rather than law, where excessive media coverage can lead to ‘moral panics’

Question 10

P

Answer 10

The law may not be reflective of society as it can lead to labelling…

This means that some people are stigmatised in society when they are accused or certain criminal/deviant behaviours

Question 11

D

Answer 11

For example black, Asian, and ethnic minority (BAME) people are still over four times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police than white people…

This means that young BAME people are targeted more disproportionately

Question 12

E

Answer 12

This may be an example of stereotyping, though the police are likely to dispute that they do target certain groups…

This means there is a risk of people committing certain behaviours become stereotyped and society then expects them to conform to that stereotype to be criminal or deviant

Question 13

+

Answer 13

However, there has been a downward trend in the use of police powers, and police are trying to address concerns behind labelling and stereotyping…

This means that the legal system is trying to address the inequalities that potentially lead to labelling, leading to a more tolerant and just society