Unit 2 AC 1.1 Flashcards
definintion of deviance
behaviour that violates prevailing societal norms.
what does emilie durkhein (1895) say about societys ideas of deviance
it reflects the collective consciousness of the community - the sense of right and wrong
legal definition of crime
Behaviour that breaks the law and for which offenders are punished by the legal system
societys definition of crime
Criminal behaviour’ describes a wrong against a community. Some acts may be universally condemned,
what are formal sanctions
The state punishes offenders with, e.g. fines, to reinforce the value of the criminal law to society at large.
2 types of formal sanctions
Police, local councils, traffic wardens. These are non-court sanctions; also called ‘out of court disposals’.
Criminal courts – Magistrates courts, Crown Courts. These are called court sanctions.
mens rea definition
the mental element of a person’s intention to commit a crime
actus reus defintion
Actus reus refers to the act or omission that comprise the physical elements of a crime as required by statute. Actus reus includes only a voluntary affirmative act, or an omission (failure to act), causing a criminally proscribed result.
norms definition
Unwritten rules of social behaviour. Violations of social norms often results in condemnation from others.
moral codes (mores) definition
Morals about socially acceptable ways of behaving
values definition
Culturally-bound beliefs or understandings about how people should behave, More general in scope than norms of behaviour
examples of deviant or criminal behaviour
marriage at 16, swearing at children, hoarding, downloading music illegally
how does society punish deviant behaviour
by imposing informal sanctions e.g. not talking to the offender
what are the 3 types of deviancy
admired, odd and bad behaviour
