Moral Crime Flashcards
Define moral crime
Acts that go against society’s norms or moral code (its accepted values and rules of behaviour).
Examples of moral crimes
Prostitution, homelessness, assisted suicide.
Who are the usual victims and offenders of moral crimes?
The victim and the offender are often the same person, although there are often others involved too.
What level of public awareness surrounds moral crimes?
Most people are aware that these things are happening, but many are not interested if it doesn’t affect them personally.
Are moral crimes considered criminal or deviant?
Both. Deviant as it goes against society’s norms, but also criminal as technically illegal, although this is not always known.
Why are moral crimes not reported?
Personal - Fear it may make things worse, disinterest if not personally affected.
Social/cultural - not knowing something is against the law, lack of media interest, lack of public concern, culture bound crime (members don’t see anything wrong, outsiders don’t want to interfere with others cultures).
Who was Tony Nicklinson?
• Had locked in syndrome, and was paralysed from the neck down after a stroke in 2005.
• For years, wanted to end his life, but couldn’t without help. Asked the high court to state that it would be lawful for a doctor to help him end his life.
• They refused, and he soon refused food and water, and died of pneumonia.
• His wife is still fighting for assisted suicide to be legalised.
