topic 1.1 Flashcards
what are the two key elements of a crime under the legal definition?
actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind).
when is self defence not considered a crime?
when reasonable force is used in the situation
why is the social definition of crime different from the legal definition?
some harmful acts (e.g. pollution) are not legally crimes, while some trivial acts (e.g. fare dodging) are illegal
give some examples of a crime that is not always seen as serious by the public
fare dodging, soft drug use, or taking office stationary
why are some crimes not strictly enforced by police?
some crimes, like white collar offences, are costly and complex to investigate
how do social attitudes influence law-making?
laws change over time based on public opinion (e.g. stalking became a crime in 2012)
what is the difference between summary and indictable offences?
summary offences are minor (e.g. speeding) and tried by magistrates whilst indictable offences are serious (e.g. murder) and tried in Crown Court
what is a custodial sentence?
a prison sentence; life sentences can allow parole after 15 years if eligible
name 3 categories of crime
- violence against the person (e.g. murder)
- sexual offences (e.g. rape)
- offences against property (e.g. burglary)
what are community sentences?
punishments served in the community, such as curfews, drug treatment, or unpaid work
how do police use cautions?
cautions are warnings for minor crimes like graffiti; offenders must admit guilt to receive one
what is a penalty notice for disorder?
a fine issued for minor offences (e.g. shoplifting) that avoids a criminal record if paid
give an example of an act that is both criminal and deviant
murder - it is both illegal and strongly disapproved of by society
what is an example of an act that is deviant but not criminal?
homosexuality in the past - it was socially disapproved of but is now legal
what is an example of an act that is criminal but not deviant?
possession of cannabis - some see it as a crime, but not as morally wrong
why does the definition of deviance change over time?
social attitudes evolve, making some acts more accepted (e.g. abortion, same sex marriage)
norms definition
specific social rules based on values that dictate behaviour in certain situations
values definition
general principles that guide how we should live, defining right and wrong
moral codes definition
a set of rules, values and principles that guide behaviour
example of a moral code
the police code of ethics, which includes principles like:
- accountability
- integrity
- openness
- integrity
- fairness
- respect
- honesty
what are the three types of deviance?
- unusual and good (saving someone’s life)
- unusual and bizzare (talking to trees)
- unusual and bad/disapproved of (physical assault) involves rule breaking and social disapproval
sanctions against deviance
formal sanctions: official punishments by institutions such as police, courts and schools
informal sanctions: social disapproval from peers, family or community (shunned)
