WJEC Criminology A level Unit 2 (Criminological Theories)

Legal Definition Of Crime

An Act That Breaks a Written Law which the legal system defines

Actus Reus(action or conduct which is a constituent element of a crime) Mens Rea (the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing that constitutes part of a crime)

What Are Strict Liabilty Offenses

Focuses on the action and does not require the mens rea (speeding, driving with no insurance, tresspassing)

What Is The Social Definition of Crime

Actions which society deem as innapropriate maybe been as criminal in some societys but not others for example: Homosexuality and Legal Age of Marriage

What are the six types of offenses

Fatal (Murder)

Non Fatal (ABH/GBH)

Property (Theft)

Sexual (Rape)

Public Order (Drunk and Disorderly)

Drug Offenses (Possesion of Controlled Drug)

What are the Two types of Formal Sanctions

Court

Non Court

What are some examples of Court Sanctions

Community Service, Custodial Sentence, Fines, Discharge Sentence

What are some examples of Non-Court sanctions

Fines (Penalty Notice)

Cautions

How does adultery change from culture to culture

Having Sexual Relationships outside of Marriage

Legal in the UK, Brazil, Chile and Argentina

Illegal and Islam and many Muslim cultures

This Differs because of Religion and how its taught in public

How does Polygamy differ from culture to culture

it is the act of having more than one wife

it is legal in Algeria and Cameroon

Illegal in the UK, Japan and Madagascar

This is because of religious views and the way women are goverened in other countries

how does Homosexuality differ from culture to culture

Homosexuality is defined as romantic or sexual attraction between members of the same sex.

Legal in the UK

Illegal in Iran and Afghanistan (Punishable by Death Penalty)

Differs because of different societal norms and religion differences in other countries

how does cannabis possession change from place to place

It is the act of possessing cannabis for selling or recreation

legal in Canada and Uruguay for Recreational use

illegal in UK and many european countries because they dont have the same laws

this is because countries around the world have different norms and values

How does Jaywalking change from place to place?

Jaywalking is defined as crossing the street outside of designated crosswalks,

legal in the UK

illegal in the USA with a $180 - $200 fine

this is because different countries have different freedoms to cross where they please

How does Smoking laws change from place to place?

The act of smoking indoors in public places.

Legal in Algeria and The Bahamas

Illegal in the UK Scotland or Ireland

This is because it helps to stop second hand smoking deaths