Prelim Flashcards
Two ways that highlight tan crime in Scotland is a problem
Increase in sexual crimes-2020-21 to 2021-22, sexual crimes in Scotland increased by 15%
Reconviction rates-2019-20, the reconviction rate was 24.1%
Three reason why some parts of the country have higher crime rates than others
More opportunity for crime -in Dundee there are 807 crimes per 10,000 people and the national average is only 524 crimes per 10,000 people.
Deprived area -the Scottish government reported that People living in the most deprived areas were more likely than those living elsewhere in Scotland to experience crime
High levels of unemployment -the Scottish government found that there was a strong positive linear correlation between unemployment and overall recorded crime
Two biological factors that can cause crime
warrior gene -In Finland, 900 criminal offenders went through genetic analysis and it was found that 5-10% of all violent crime in Finland could be credited to individuals with these genetics.
Gender and hormones-The hormone testosterone, which is found at a higher level in men, is linked with risk taking and violent behaviour
Two social factors that cause crime
Alcohol abuse-in 2019/20, offenders were believed to be under the influence in over two-fifths of violent crimes
ACE’s-The BBC reports that people with adverse childhood experiences are 20x more likely to be in prison in their life
Two economic if factors that cause crime
Poverty-in 2019/20, people living in the 15% most deprived areas were more likely than those living elsewhere in Scotland to experience property crime
Greed-A thief in Edinburgh’s phone was investigated after he carried out several raids and break-ins and text’s were found of him, from the time when he was breaking in, talking about his greedy desire for Rolex watches and “money, money, money”
Two consequences of crime on victims
Mental health issues-Elaine Brown took her own life whilst police investigations were still ongoing for her ex-partner, Ryan Graham, raping her
Death and injury -Sarah Everard was kidnapped, strangled and killed by Wayne Couzens on March 3rd 2021
Two consequences of crime on communities/wider society
many are scared to leave their home-The percentage of women who said they often or always felt unsafe walking home at night time increased from 46%, from 3 years before Sarah Evarard was murdered, to 63%, after the attack
Loss of trust-nearly half of women have lost trust in the police since an off-duty police officer murdered Sarah Everard. 47% of women and 40% of men reported declining trust in the police after the Sarah Everard case
Two consequences of crime for the perpetrators
Prison-Wayne Couzens was sentenced to life imprisonment as a whole life order for abducting, murdering and raping Sarah Evererd
Pay a fine-in Dumfries, A 54-year-old man has been fined more than £9,000 for killing a protected species and failing to comply with firearms licence conditions
Two consequences of crime on families
Bereavement-Sarah Everard’s mother and father lost their daughter as Wayne Couzens murdered her
Shame-in Wayne Couzens’ trial judge Lord Justice Fulford said “Your wife and children…will have to live with the ignominy of your dreadful crimes for the rest of their lives.”
Two reasons why some people are affected by crime more than others
If they are a victims of a crime-Elaine Brown took her own life whilst police investigations were still ongoing for her ex-partner, Ryan Graham, raping her
If they are more vulnerable to it-The likelihood of experiencing crime in 2021/22 was higher among those aged 16 to 24 and lowest for those aged 60 and over
What are the 3 courts in Scotland
Justice of the peace- deals with crimes such as road traffic and can provide a sentence for up to 60 days and a fine that’s up to £2,500
Sheriff court(summary and solemn)- if its a summary procedure sheriffs may impose a maximum prison sentence of 12 months or a fine up to £10,000
High court-the jury found Aaron Campbell guilt of the murder of Alesha MacPhail and was sent to prison
Three ways that highlight Scottish courts are effective in tackling crime
Overall crime is at a record low- since 2012-2013 crime has dropped by 14%
They provide justice to victims- one of Scotland’s most notorious child killer Steven leisks plea for release was refused
They keep the public safe-Aaron Campbell was jailed for a minimu of 27 years for the Rae and murder of alesha macpheil
Three ways that highlight that Scottish courts are ineffective in tackling crime
Reoffending rates are high- the percentage of offenders who are reconviction in a year was 28.3% in 2018-19
Violent crime is increasing- violent crime has increased by 12% since 202-2021
Some guilty people get away- 1 in 5 rape trails result in the non proven verdict
What are two roles of police
Prevent crime- the Scottish government have made their hate crime delivery plan from 2023-2026 about what they will do to help stop hate crime
Arresting criminals- two boys were arrested for starting a large scale disturbance which led to riot police being called in
Two ways in which the government have tried to tackle crime
Alcohol laws- the number of road deaths fell 17% in the first year after the drink drive limit was lowered
Violence reduction unit- murder rates in Glasgow dropped 60%
