Paper- interchangeable definitions

• Explain the social construction of criminality according to place.

  The social construction of criminality refers to the idea that what is considered a crime is not inherently criminal, but is defined as such by society. This means that laws and definitions of crime can vary greatly from place to place, depending on the social, cultural and political context.
• Homosexuality- According to place UK

  The social construction of criminality is evident in laws related to homosexuality. In many western countries countries such as Canada and the UK, homosexuality is not considered a crime, and same sex marriage is legal. The UK Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalised private homosexual acts between consenting adults over 21, with the age of consent eventually equalised for all sexual acts at 16.
• Homosexuality- According to place Saudi Arabia

  In some countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, homosexuality is considered a crime and the maximum penalty under the law is the death penalty (both men and women are criminalised under Sharia law)
• Drug use- According to place

  In some countries, the use of certain drugs is considered a serious crime, while in others, it is not.

  In the United States, for instance, the use of marijuana was illegal for many years and is still considered a federal crime. However, several states have now legalised its use, either for medicinal purposes or even recreationally.

  On the other hand, in the Netherlands, the use of marijuana is decriminalised, meaning it is not treated as a criminal offence but as a public health issue.

  This shows how the social construction of criminality can vary according to place, as the same act (using marijuana) is treated differently in different jurisdictions
• Explain the legal definition of crime 


  In our society it is the legal system that defines a crime. A crime is an act or omission that violates the law and is punishable by the state e.g theft, fraud and murder. In law a crime must have two elements: an actus reus (the guilty act) and mens rea (a guilty mind). This means that an action must have taken place with the intention to cause harm. However, there can be exceptions such as self-defence. Crimes can either be formally punished by the court or administered by the police.
• Laws change due to societal shifts in time, place, and culture. Examples include evolving stances on homosexuality, the death penalty, and gun control, reflecting changing societal values and beliefs. These changes demonstrate how laws, as a social construct, are not static but adapt to reflect the evolving norms and values of a society.
• Time:

  • Example:The UK's gradual shift in legal attitudes towards homosexuality, from criminalisation to decriminalisation in 1967 and then same-sex marriage legalisation in 2014, reflects changing societal attitudes and a decrease in the reporting of these acts as crimes.
  • Explanation:Over time, societal views on homosexuality have shifted, leading to legal changes that reflect these evolving perspectives. 
• Time:

  • Example:The UK's gradual shift in legal attitudes towards homosexuality, from criminalisation to decriminalisation in 1967 and then same-sex marriage legalisation in 2014, reflects changing societal attitudes and a decrease in the reporting of these acts as crimes.
  • Explanation:Over time, societal views on homosexuality have shifted, leading to legal changes that reflect these evolving perspectives.