Social constructions Of Criminality

Question 1

What are values

Answer 1

General principles or guidelines for how we should live our lives-what is right and wrong, good or bad

Question 2

What are norms

Answer 2

Specific rules or socially acceptable standards that govern people’s behaviour e.g. respecting elders

Question 3

What are moral codes/code of ethics?

Answer 3

A set of basic rules,values and principles held by an individual, group, organisation of society as a whole-this may be written or unwritten

Question 4

Define Deviance

Answer 4

-behaviour that is unusual and good
-behaviour that is unusual eccentric or bizarre
-behaviour that is bad or disapproved of
E.g.drinking urine

Question 5

Give examples of a formal sanction

Answer 5

Fines
Imprisonment
Exclusion from school

Question 6

Give examples of informal sanctions

Answer 6

Telling off
Being ignored
Slap on the wrist

Question 7

Define criminality

Answer 7

An action that is forbidden by law.
Actus reus- guilty act
Men’s reus- guilty mind

Question 8

Strict liability

Answer 8

Wrongful act on its own is enough to convict someone without men’s rea
E.g. a negligent factory owner is liable to injuries of workers

Question 9

What is a summary offence

Answer 9

Less serious offences, trialled by magistrates.
E.g. speeding

Question 10

What is an indictable offence

Answer 10

More serious offence, tried in a crown court before a judge or jury.
E.g. murder

Question 11

Polygamy
How laws change from culture to culture?

Answer 11

Place- Practiced in some African societies
Culture- The Quran permits Muslim men to take up to 4 wives

Question 12

Adultery
How do laws change from culture to culture?

Answer 12

Culture- adultery is a crime in many Muslim majority countries.
Place- position of women in certain countries.

Question 13

Homosexuality
How do laws change over time?

Answer 13

1967-males over 21
1994-18
2000-16
Reasons: Wolfenden report, campaigns, human rights and political support