AC 1.1 Compare Criminal Behaviour and Deviance

• define values

  general principles that society collectively believe in e.g. good hygiene
• define norms


  specific socially accepted standards e.g. washing your hands
• give an example of a value found in all societies

  respect for human life
• give an example of a value specific to the UK and US

  accumulating wealth
• define moral codes


  a set of basic rules and values often shared within a smaller group.
• give an example of moral codes

  The Police Code of Ethics
• define deviance


  any behaviour that goes against societal norms, often leading a critical or disapproving reaction from society.
• what three types of deviance are there?

  good, bizarre and bad
• what are formal sanctions?


  sanctions imposed by official institutions that result that often result in criminal action being taken.
• what are informal sanctions?


  an expression of disapproval given by an individual or group
• what is the legal definition of crime?

  any action forbidden by the criminal law. The action must have two elements
• what is menat by mens rea?

  guilty mind
• what is meant by actus reus?

  guilty act
• why is it difficult to define criminal behaviour using the legal definition?

  -mens reas does does not always apply e.g. strict libaility crimes

  -defence negates mens rea e.g under duress

  -defence negates actus reus e.g causation
• what is the social definition of crime?

  what society sees as a crime and so are more likely to report
• why is it difficult to define crime using the social definition?

  can vary depending on culture, place, time, religion
• what is a custodial sentence?

  imprisonment imposed by the court
• what is a community sentence?

  offenders have to do unpaid work in their community
• what is a conditional discharge?

  No punishment unless a crime is committed within a time period
• what is an absolute discharge?

  offender found guility but given no sanction
• what is a caution?

  formal warning given by the police, offender must admit to the offence.
• what is a conditional caution?

  require offender to agree to rules and restrictions, which they can be punished for if they break
• what is a penalty notice?

  fine issued by the police, given for offences such as parking violations.