Unit 2 AC 1.1 Flashcards
What is the definition of crime?
Behaviour that goes against the laws set down by the government of a country
What is the definition of deviance?
Behaviour that goes against the expected norms and values in society
What is the definition of a social norm?
An expected way of behaving in society
What is the definition of values?
A shared set of beliefs
What is a moral code?
Used to describe a set of basic rules, values and principles held by an individual, group, organisation or society as a whole
What does it mean for behavior to be unusual and eccentric/bizarre?
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.
What is the definition of social construction?
Refers to something that has been made or defined by society, rather than simply occuring natrually
What is the legal definition of crime?
Any action that is forbidden by the criminal law
What is the term for ‘guilty act’ in legal context?
Actus Rea
Actus Rea refers to the physical act or conduct that constitutes a criminal offense.
What does ‘guilty mind’ refer to in legal terms?
Mens Rea
Mens Rea indicates the mental state or intention of the defendant at the time of committing the crime.
What are the two elements necessary for an action to be considered a crime?
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.
True or False: A defendant’s actions can be considered a crime without Mens Rea.
False
Both Actus Rea and Mens Rea must be present for an action to be classified as a crime.
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.
Actus Rea
These elements are crucial in establishing the legality of an action.
What is Strict Liability?
The wrongful act on its own is enough to convict someone
Strict liability does not require proof of intention or negligence.
How do health and safety laws relate to strict liability?
Health and safety laws operate on this basis
These laws aim to ensure that businesses maintain safe environments.
Give an example of strict liability in a workplace setting.
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.
What are regulatory offences?
Called ‘regulatory offences’ which aim at regulating how businesses behave
Regulatory offences often focus on public welfare and safety.
Name two crimes that also fall under strict liability.
- Speeding
- Watching TV without a license
These offences do not require the prosecution to prove intent.
What are summary offences?
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
What are indictable offences?
More serious offences, e.g. rape/murder. Tried in a crown court with a judge and a jury. sentences are more severe.
What offences include violence against the person?
E.g. murder, manslaughter, assault
Give examples of sexual offences
E.g. rape, sex trafficking, grooming
Give examples of offences against property
E.g. burglary, theft, robbery
Give examples of fraud and forgery
E.g. frauds by company directors, benefit cheating, tax evasion
Give examples of offences that involve criminal damage
E.g. arson, vandalsim, graffiti
