AC 1.1 Compare Criminal Behaviour and Deviance

• Norms

  • Acceptable behaviours e.g. manners, queueing.
  • Linked to cultures - underpinned by values.
• Values

  • General guidelines/principles for behaviour e.g. family values, respect.
  • Shape behaviour - what is right/wrong.
• Moral Codes

  • Basic values held by an individual, group or organisation e.g. respecting elders, respecting differences, code of conduct.
  • Police Code of Ethics (9 principles) respect, honesty, integrity, accountability, fairness, openness, leadership, objectivity, selflessness.
• Deviance

  • Action seen as unacceptable by wider society. e.g. smoking around children, trespassing.
  • Unusual and good - protestors, saving a life.
  • Eccentric/bizarre - street performers, free climbers.
  • Unusual and disapproved - underage drinking.
• Formal Sanctions

  • Imposed by official body.
  • Police/courts - custodial sentence.
• Informal Sanctions

  • Imposed by unofficial agency.
  • Family - screen ban.
  • School - detention.
  • Behaviour disapproved by not illegal.
• Legal Crime

  • Action forbidden by law.
  • Actus reus (guilty act), mens rea (guilty mind).
  • Examples: murder, kidnapping, assault, theft, arson.
  • Non-examples: manslaughter, conspiracy to murder, self defence, strict liability, speeding (circumstantial).
• Social Crime

  • Societies views on crime.
  • Cultures - witchcraft.
  • Decriminalisation - vagrancy, prostitution.
  • Police priorities.
  • Media - moral panic.
  • Pressure groups.