Crim Unit 2 - Part 1

• What is the connection between crime and deviance?

  Both involve actions that violate social norms
• What does the term "compare" mean in an exam context?

  To discuss similarities and differences
• What is deviance defined as?

  Behaviour that differs from the norm
• What are the three ways deviance can be considered unusual?

  Good, eccentric, or bad behaviour
• What is the legal definition of crime?

  Action forbidden by criminal law
• What are the two elements required for an act to be considered a crime?

  Actus reus and mens rea
• What is actus reus?

  A guilty act of committing a crime
• What is mens rea?

  A guilty mind with bad intentions
• Are all harmful acts considered criminal?

  No, not all harmful acts are criminal
• What are summary offences?

  Less serious offences like speeding
• What are indictable offences?

  More serious offences tried in Crown court
• What types of offences are included in the subject matter of criminal offences?

  Violence, sexual offences, property offences
• What are the categories of deviant acts in the Venn diagram exercise?

  • Only deviant
  • Only criminal
  • Both deviant and criminal
• What is the relationship between crime and deviance?

  Most crimes are regarded as deviant
• What are values in the context of norms and moral codes?

  General principles for how to live
• What are norms?

  Specific socially accepted standards
• What is a moral code?

  A set of rules and principles held by society
• What is social control?

  Means to ensure members behave as expected
• What are informal sanctions?

  Social reactions to deviant behaviour
• What are formal sanctions?

  Penalties imposed by law or courts
• What are the implications of having a criminal record?

  Exclusion from certain jobs and travel bans
• What are the specific rules that govern people's behavior in situations?

  Norms
• What do general principles or guidelines tell us about?

  What is right or wrong
• How is crime defined legally?

  As any act against criminal law
• What is deviance?

  Behavior that differs from normal
• What are penalties imposed on those convicted of a crime called?

  Formal sanctions
• What are expressions of social disapproval designed to ensure social control called?

  Informal sanctions
• What is a form of deviance that involves serious acts against society?

  Crime
• Why is crime difficult to define?

  It varies across cultures and time
• Identify three types of deviance.

  Unusual behavior, eccentric behavior, disapproved behavior
• What does the term 'social construction of crime' refer to?

  Crime defined by society, not naturally occurring
• How does historical evidence show crime classification changes?

  It varies over time and cultures
• What factors affect the construct of criminality?

  • Religious beliefs
  • Different norms and values
  • Tradition
  • Public opinion
  • Status of groups within a culture
• How do laws change over time within a society?

  Due to changing norms and values
• What are some reasons laws change over time?

  Changing norms, human rights ideas, campaigns
• What is the age of criminal responsibility in England?

  10 years old
• How might the Ruth Ellis case be handled differently today?

  With more consideration of mental health
• How do laws change in different places?

  • Same actions may not be criminal everywhere
  • Policing varies by location
  • Examples: Jaywalking, cannabis possession
• How is cannabis treated differently in various cultures?

  Illegal in the UK, legal in some states
• How do typifications affect law enforcement?

  Influence perceptions of typical criminals