Unit 2 - criminological theories Flashcards
Deviance
Refers to behaviour that differs from the ‘norm’ in a society
Values
Values refer to a shared and general set of principles about acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, such as our ideas about what constitutes right and wrong behaviour.
Moral code
Moral code refers to a code of ethics, which may be clearly written down, with the expectation that you will follow them and adhere to them. Organisations may have their own moral codes to ensure high levels of professional behaviour
Norms
Specific rules of expectation in a society about what is and is not socially acceptable.
Social Construct
The theory that behaviour and actions are not inherently criminal but are labelled deviant by those in power
Informal sanction
where rules are not formally written down and are perhaps ‘unspoken’
Formal sanction
Imposed by official bodies such as the police, courts, schools and other institutions
What are sanctions?
Sanctions are the ways in which behaviour is rewarded or punished; sanctions can be formal or informal
Criminal
Criminal behaviour is the term used to describe any behaviour that is deviant and rule breaking, and often involves causing harm to other people or groups in society.
Mens rea (The legal definition of crime)
“Guilty mind”
(Criminal intentions)
Actus reus (The legal definition of crime)
“Guilty act”
(Illegal behaviour)
Indictable offence
More serious offences such as murder
(tried by the Crown Court by a jury)
Summary offence
Less serious offences such as speeding
(tried by magistrates)
Polygamy
The practise of having two or more husbands or wives at the same time.
Polygyny
where a man has more than 2 wives
