Unit 2 AC 1.1

Question 1

What is the definition of crime?

Answer 1

Behaviour that goes against the laws set down by the government of a country

Question 2

What is the definition of deviance?

Answer 2

Behaviour that goes against the expected norms and values in society

Question 3

What is the definition of a social norm?

Answer 3

An expected way of behaving in society

Question 4

What is the definition of values?

Answer 4

A shared set of beliefs

Question 5

What is a moral code?

Answer 5

Used to describe a set of basic rules, values and principles held by an individual, group, organisation or society as a whole

Question 6

What does it mean for behavior to be unusual and eccentric/bizarre?

Answer 6

It refers to behaviors that are atypical and may be seen as quirky or odd but not necessarily harmful.

Eccentric behaviors can often be harmless and may even be celebrated in certain contexts.

Question 7

What is the definition of social construction?

Answer 7

Refers to something that has been made or defined by society, rather than simply occuring natrually

Question 8

What is the legal definition of crime?

Answer 8

Any action that is forbidden by the criminal law

Question 9

What is the term for ‘guilty act’ in legal context?

Answer 9

Actus Rea

Actus Rea refers to the physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense.

Question 10

What does ‘guilty mind’ refer to in legal terms?

Answer 10

Mens Rea

Mens Rea indicates the mental state or intention of the defendant at the time of committing the crime.

Question 11

What are the two elements necessary for an action to be considered a crime?

Answer 11

Actus Rea and Mens Rea

Both elements must be present: the action must be forbidden by law, and it must be done with bad intentions.

Question 12

True or False: A defendant’s actions can be considered a crime without Mens Rea.

Answer 12

False

Both Actus Rea and Mens Rea must be present for an action to be classified as a crime.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: For a court to consider a defendant’s actions to be a crime, the action must normally have two elements: _______ and Mens Rea.

Answer 13

Actus Rea

These elements are crucial in establishing the legality of an action.

Question 14

What is Strict Liability?

Answer 14

The wrongful act on its own is enough to convict someone

Strict liability does not require proof of intention or negligence.

Question 15

How do health and safety laws relate to strict liability?

Answer 15

Health and safety laws operate on this basis

These laws aim to ensure that businesses maintain safe environments.

Question 16

Give an example of strict liability in a workplace setting.

Answer 16

A factory owner who is negligent and fails to safeguard dangerous machinery is liable for the injuries to workers

This demonstrates how strict liability can apply in occupational health and safety.

Question 17

What are regulatory offences?

Answer 17

Called ‘regulatory offences’ which aim at regulating how businesses behave

Regulatory offences often focus on public welfare and safety.

Question 18

Name two crimes that also fall under strict liability.

Answer 18

• Speeding
• Watching TV without a license

These offences do not require the prosecution to prove intent.

Question 19

What are summary offences?

Answer 19

Less serious offences e.g. speeding. Tried by a magistrates court

The maximum sentence that can be given in a magistrates court is 12 months

Question 20

What are indictable offences?

Answer 20

More serious offences, e.g. rape/murder. Tried in a crown court with a judge and a jury. sentences are more severe.

Question 21

What offences include violence against the person?

Answer 21

E.g. murder, manslaughter, assault

Question 22

Give examples of sexual offences

Answer 22

E.g. rape, sex trafficking, grooming

Question 23

Give examples of offences against property

Answer 23

E.g. burglary, theft, robbery

Question 24

Give examples of fraud and forgery

Answer 24

E.g. frauds by company directors, benefit cheating, tax evasion

Question 25

Give examples of offences that involve criminal damage

Answer 25

E.g. arson, vandalsim, graffiti