Modern Studies - Prelim Flashcards

What are 6 types of crime - with descriptions and examples

1. White Collar Crime: 

This refers to crime committed in the course of your occupation by people who work in non-manual jobs such as offices and sales. Many people do not see these activities as crimes and, can often be motivated by the desire for increased wealth. This type of crime is not visible so can be harder to find. For example, this would include fraud, bribery, forgery, computer crime and money laundering.

2. Knife Crime: 

Knife crime could be carrying a knife that is banned, threatening people with a knife or murder where the victim was stabbed with a knife; although legally you can carry a blade that is shorter than 3 inches. It becomes illegal to use it as a weapon or to threaten and harm somebody. For example, knives are banned in schools in Scotland. 

  

3. Sexual Crimes: 

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact and behaviour. This includes rape which means forcing somebody to have sex against their will. For example, sometimes a victim will be given a drink spiked with a date rape drug so they are unable to resist.

  

4. Traffic Crime: 

This refers to crimes where a driver has broken laws. For example they may have broken the speed limit by driving over 70mph on a motorway, driving with a mobile phone, or gone through traffic lights when they’re at red. Drink driving is also a crime as is driving under the influence of drugs.

  

5. Anti-Social Behaviour: 

This affects people who live in communities and can make people feel uncomfortable and unsafe in their homes and neighbourhood. For Example, In Scotland, there were 37,204 crimes of vandalism recorded in 2022-23. 

  

6. Hate Crimes: 

When a person is physically attacked, threatened with physical violence or subjected to abusive language due to their sexuality, religion or race, this is known as hate crime. Hate crimes are given a more serious punishment. This type of crime causes a lot of fear in communities. For Example, The police recorded 6,257 hate crimes in 2022-23. 

What are 3 social causes of crime

Upbringings People with 4 more ACEs are 15 times more likely to be the perpetrator of crime.

Alcohol - 17% of violent crimes happen in and around a pub.

Drugs - 75% of heroin and cocaine addicts admit to committing crimes to fund their drug habit. 

What are 3 economic causes of crime

• Poverty - 1/9 people in Scotland’s most deprived appears before they are 23 years.

• Greed - The former SMP MP Natalie McGrey was caught embezzling almost £25,000 pounds from pro-independence groups over a 2 year period.

• Unemployment - Historically in poorer parts of Glasgow young boys in particular who don’t do well in school become unemployed and find a job with a gang as they don’t have many other options. Maryhill has a high unemployment rate and also a high number of serious gangs.

What are 3 biological causes of crime

One biological cause of crime is Sex  - In 2023 statistics showed that men Made up 96% of people in prisons. 

 

One biological cause of crime is mental illness - 40% of those arrested for violent crimes had a extreme mental health disorder. 

 

One biological cause of crime is the warrior gene - If you have the warrior gene you are 13 times more likely to commit a crime. 

What are 3 consequences of crime on the victims with examples.

Suffer Physical Injuries - 48% of Victims of crime sustained injuries.

Mental Health Issues - 2022, 2 Times and likely to depressed.

Pay to replace damaged or stolen property - 90% of property crimes where the value was of stolen crimes where under 1,300.

What are 3 consequences of perpetrators with examples.

Struggle to get a job - 7/10 employers said they would not employ someone with a criminal record.

Loss of freedom - Aaron Campbell was sentenced to a life sentence in prison, with a minimum of 24 years, for the murder of Aleshia MacPhail. 

Losing support of friends and family - Find one out.  

What are the 3 consequences of crime on the families

They may be isolated from their community. - Their home could be vandalised and they could be threatened by others. 

Suffer Mental Health Issues - They could develop depression or anxiety to seeing a loved one harmed whether that be being someone harmed by crime or from going to prison.

Financial Loss - When Aaron Campbell was sent to prison in YOI Polmont prison, it meant that if his family wanted to see him they would have to fork over large amounts of money for travel.

What are 3 examples of consequences on the communities

Local area damage - "The Times" reported that Glasgow is the most vandalised city in the UK, whilst also having the second highest crime rates in Scotland.

People/Businesses don’t want to go there - In 2021, research found that East Ayrshire had the cheapest properties in Scotland whilst also having high crime rates.

It can bring them closer together. -

What are 3 examples of crime on wider-society?

One consequence of crime on wider society is that people have to pay higher taxes. For example In 2020-21, the Scottish Government have allocated £2.8billion to dealing with crime. To afford this, we all have to pay more in taxes. 

People have to higher insurance rates. - As more crimes are committed, we all end up paying more for our house and car insurance. For example when rural crime increased by more than 44% in 2019, NFU Mutual, an insurance company, warned it would have to increase insurance fees to cover the costs of this increase in crime.

 

Tourism Falls - According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) tourism to the UK has fallen 5.6% from 2019 - 2023. At the same time, crimes in England and Wales have risen. 

High Court Fact-file:

Crimes Dealt With - Armed Robbery, Culpable Drug Trafficking, Homeside, Murder, Rape, Serious Sexual Offences, (Especially those that involve children.) 

Maximum Punishment - Unlimited Sentencing Powers

Who Decides - Judge and a jury of 15 people 

Examples - Fawziyah Javed

Sheriff Court Fact-File

Crimes Dealt With -

Solemn: Assault, Possession of Drugs, Theft, Soliciting/Appeals for a child hearing 

Summary: Separation, Divorce, Alignment 

Maximum Punishment -

Solemn: Unlimited fine & 5 years 

Summary: Sentences of up to 12 months & a max fine of £100,000 

Who Decides -

Solemn: Judge & Jury 

Summary: Just a judge 

Examples - Natalie McGarry 

Justice Of The Piece Court - Fact File

Crimes Dealt With - Traffic Offences, Being Drunk/Disorderly, Assaulting A Police Officer, Minor Shop Lifting 

Maximum Punishment - In most courts they can sentence you to 60 days imprisonment and a fine of at most £2,500 except the court in Glasgow which can impose 12 months and a fine of at most £10,000 

Who Decides - The Justice of the peace

Examples - Will Young 

What are the roles of the courts?

One role of the criminal courts is to determine guilt. - The former SNP MP Natalie McGarry was found guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court of embezzlement and jailed.  

 

A second role of the courts is to punish. - The High Court in Glasgow sentenced Ryan Haggerty to five years and three months in prison to punish him for setting fire to St Simon's Catholic Church in 2021. 

 

A final role of the courts is to provide justice. - Following the trial of Aaron Campbell for the murder of Alesha MacPhail, Alesha's mum said that she was glad that there was finally justice and Campbell would not be able to inflict the pain on another family that has happened to hers. 

3 reasons why the courts are effective with examples

One argument that the courts are effective is because they can imprison perpetrators of crime in Scotland. - For example, many will feel that sending Kevin Guthrie to prison after he sexually assaulted a woman in Glasgow is an effective way the courts have responded to this crime.

 

A second argument that the courts are effective is because they deter people from committing crimes. -For example, drivers who kill pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists on Scotland's roads can now receive tougher sentences under new guidelines for judges. (Read more here

 

A final argument that the courts are effective is because they keep the public safe. - For example, by locking up Aaron Campbell, the murderer of Alesha MacPhail, the courts are stopping this potential psychopath from harming others.  

What are 3 roles of the AMS

One role of the CHS is to support young people in making better decisions. - For example, in 2020 2,400 children with criminal offences were referred to the CHS.

One role of the CHS is to give the young person a chance to have their say in a supportive environment - For example, young people can invite a family member or friend, and their social worker, teacher and other familiar faces will also be present.

One role of the CHS is to ensure a positive outcome for the child - as of March 2023 6,700 young people in Scotland are subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order - 87% of these are due to concerns about care or protection.

Structure of AMS

Referral

Investigation

Hearing

Outcomes

What are the 3 powers of AMS

Remove a child from their home. - In 2018/19, 84 young people were in secure accommodation, a decrease of 1 young person from the year before.

Take a child into custody - For example, 859 young people were in youth custody in 2019.

Have a child supervised in their home./ Compulsory Supervision Order - Between 2018/19 about 14000 young people in Scotland had regular visits or were looked after by Social Services

What are 3 reasons why the governments responses to crime have been effective.

Another Reason why the government's new laws is the Public is now more aware and hesitant to drink driving. -For example, according to a 2019 Survey 2/3s Scottish drivers refrained from driving even after one drink.

Another Reason why the government's laws have been effective is that their has been an increase in support to those who have experienced domestic abuse - The Scottish government established a £48 million fund to provide support.

Another Reason why the government's laws have been effective is because they have increased the amount that Hate Crimes are reported on by the police - For example, 6 months following the laws implementation. recorded hate crimes rose by 63%

One reason these laws haven't been effective is due to drink-driving related fatalities not decreasing, meaning that deaths haven't actually drops due to the new law  - For example, in 2019, a year after the laws changed, drink driving instead rose by 4%. 

Another reason these laws haven't been effective is a large amount of Domestic Abuse cases still go unreported. - For example, The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (2019/2020) found that approximately 3/5 of crimes overall go unreported. 

Another reason these laws haven’t been effective is a due to a lack of police training leading to a lack of officers with the ability to deal with these cases - As of December 2023, approximately 1/5 of police officers had not received training on enforcing the new legislation. 

3 roles of the police

One role of the police is to prevent crime.	For example, Police Scotland ran a campaign called “That Guy” which aimed to encourage calling out dubious behaviour surround mostly men being somewhat perverse around women with a quite word.
One role of the police is to protect people.	For example, during COP 26 1000 police officers were sent in Glasgow to protect those attending.
One role of the police is to investigate crimes.	For example, Police Scotland had a full investigation into former SMP leader Nicola Steffens who was arrested and was then released due to suspicious party funding and finances.

3 Powers of the police

The power of arrest and detention -  For example, police arrested Nicola Sturgeon over allegations of financial misconduct

The power of search - For example, between 1st April 2021-31st March 2022, Police Scotland stopped and searched approximately 3700 people, 304 of those were in the Scottish Borders.  

The power of entry - For example, in 2021/2022, Police Scotland issued 632 warrants, 612 of those were for drug related crimes.

3 Reasons the police are effetcive at stopping crime

Police are effective because they prevent crime - Police Scotland ran a campaign called “That Guy” which aimed to encourage calling out dubious behaviour surround mostly men being somewhat perverse around women with a quite word. 

Police are effective because they protect people - During COP 26 1000 police officers were sent in Glasgow to protect those attending.

Police are effective because they investigate crimes - Police Scotland had a full investigation into former SMP leader Nicola Steffens who was arrested and was then released due to suspicious party funding and finances.

3 Reasons the police aren’t effective

Police are ineffective because they don't prevent crime - For example, between 2023/2024 crime increased by 4% 

Police are ineffective because they don't protect people - Even with the Police aiming to protect all innocent people people like Alisha McPhail and Fawziyah Javed.

Police are ineffective because they don't investigate crimes - In 2024 Police Scotland said that they don’t investigate every crime. 

3 Reasons Prisons Are Effective

Prisons are effective because they rehabilitate people	In Saughton prison, Edinburgh, inmates can study qualifications in food hygiene as well as trades.
Prisons are effective because they punish people	For example, Aaron Campbell was sentenced to 27 years in prison for murdering Aleshia McPhail.
Prisons are effective because they keep people safe	For example, crimes in the UK are currently at a 37 year low.

3 Reasons Prions Aren’t effective

Prisons are ineffective because they don't rehabilitate people	For example, 26.9% of prisoners reoffend within a year of release.
Prisons are ineffective because they don't punish people effectively	For example, 1 in 10 prisoners in Scotland start using illegal drugs once they enter prison.
Prisons are ineffective because they don't keep people safe	For example, there were over 50,000 knife crimes in the UK in 2023-24.

3 Purposes of rehabilitation

Rehabilitation	For example, in the UK a court can order someone to work for 80-300 hours work, with things included being litter collection, assisting charities and landscaping jobs.
Save Money	For example, if someone is given a tag as opposed to being sent to prison, this will save the government the £38,000 it would have cost the government to send them prison.
Reduce Overcrowding	For example, a prison in Barley, Glasgow sitting at 140% over population, causing a drop in effectiveness and lower the spirits of those in the prison.

3 Reasons Alternatives to prison are effective

Alternatives to prisons are effective because they save money	For example, if someone is given a tag as opposed to being sent to prison, this will save the government the £38,000 it would have cost the government to send them prison.
Alternatives to prisons are effective because they rehabilitate people	For example, in the UK a court can order someone to work for 80-300 hours work, with things included being litter collection, assisting charities and landscaping jobs.
Alternatives to prisons are effective because they reduce overcrowding	For example, a prison in Barley, Glasgow sitting at 140% over population, causing a drop in effectiveness and lower the spirits of those in the prison.

3 Reasons Alternatives to prison aren’t effective

Alternatives to prisons are ineffective because they are a soft option.	For example, 71% of people who have been given an RLO go on to commit another crime.
Alternatives to prisons are ineffective because they don't always work	For example, 1/3 on a CPO scheme still reoffend.
Alternatives to prisons are ineffective because criminals can still offend.	For example, even though James Wright received a tag for  carrying a weapon, he still wen out a father 6 months after getting the tag.

3 Reasons crime isn’t a problem in the UK

Overall crime rates have fallen - In the last decade overall crime rates have dropped by 13% in Scotland

People feel safer - In a SCJS report in 2021/22, they found 96% of Scottish People feel safe in their home at night.

The majority of people don't commit crime - In march 2023, only 136/100000 people committed a crime that we know of.

3 Reasons Crime is a problem in the UK

One reason crime is a problem in Scotland is Rising Crime Rates. - Crimes of dishonesty have increased by 11% since 2021/2022

Another reason crime is a problem in Scotland is Prisons are overcrowded - At the end of 2019 9/15 Scottish prisons are above capacity.

Another reason crime is a problem in Scotland is the Cost Of Crime - For example, in 2020/21 the Scottish parliament £2.8 Billion to deal with crime 

3 Features of a democracy in Scotland

Freedom of the media - For example, the SNP were criticised by the media because of the ferry fiasco involving long delays to new two ferries.

Stand as a candidate - For example, Nicola Sturgeon was the SNP candidate for Glasgow Southside in the 2021 election.

Vote in elections - For example, 2.7 million Scotts voted in the 2021 Scottish parliament election

3 Devolved Matters In Scotland

Transport - For example, in 2022 the Scottish Government introduced the Young Scot Card which allowed under 22s to travel on buses for free.  

Health - For example, as of 2021 Free Period products were introduced in Scotland in public areas such as schools or hospitals. 

Law and Order - For example, the 2019 Smacking Ban banned adults from harming children as a form of punishment.

3 reserved matters in the UK

Defence - For example, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UK government sent storm shadow missiles to Ukraine.  

Migration - On July 2025, Kier Starmer signed a ‘one in, one out agreement with France to return asylum seekers.

Constitutional Matters - For example, in September 2024, the UK parliament voted in favour of a bill abolishing hereditary peers in the House of Lords. 

3 roles of the first minister

Leader of the Scottish Government - For example, in April 2024 FM Humza Yousaf ended the Scottish governments agreement with the Green Party. 

Answers MSPs questions at FMQs - For example, in 2023 the leader of the conservatives accused the FM of desvitating local communities. With the FM responding that the conservatives had encouraged them. 

Represents Scotland in the UK and abroad - John Swinney attended the Scotland v Germany match during the 2024 Euros as a representative of Scotland. 

3 powers of the first minister

Leader of the Scottish Government - For example, in April 2024 FM Humza Yousaf ended the Scottish governments agreement with the Green Party.

Power to appoint Cabinet Ministers - This means that the FM has the power to elect his government, meaning he is able to choice the representatives for each category of the UK, whether that be hiring, shuffling and sacking. 

Represents Scotland in the UK and abroad - John Swinney attended the Scotland v Germany match during the 2024 Euros as a representative of Scotland.

3 Rights in a democarcy

To join or form a party - For example, in 2025 the SMP had 56,000 members. 

To stand as a candidate - For example, Nicola Sturgeon was the SNP candidate for Glasgow Southside in the 2021 election. 

 To share your opinions using the media - For example,  during the Ferry Fiasco, the SMP was chastised both by the media, but also by a large number of people on social media who voiced their complaints about the SMPs work. 

3 reasons people do participate in democracy

They know how important it is. - The Scottish Parliament is very powerful and has a lot of responsibility for making Scotland a good place to live. Many people get involved in politics to make sure the Scottish parliament does a good job. For example, the Scottish parliament is responsible for devolved matters like health and education and people want to have a say in these policy areas. 

 

They can make a difference/influence politics. - For example, members of TIE, an LGBT inclusive charity, campaigned and were successful in encouraging the Scottish government to become the first country in the world to embed LGBT inclusive education across the school curriculum. 

To protect their rights. - For example, in recent years in Scotland 16 year olds have gained the right to vote and gay people are allowed to get married. 

3 Reasons people don’t participate in democracies in Scotland

They don’t think their participation will matter. - For example, the Faslane Peace Camp has existed outside Faslane Naval Base for decades but nuclear weapons are still in Scotland.

They feel excluded from politics. - For example, there were no female ethnic minority MSPs prior to 2021.

They don’t know how. - For example, most people are not members of a political party and only about half of those who can vote, do vote in Scottish elections.

3 Campaign methods in the Uk

Political Party Braudcasts - For example, in 2021 the SMP had a strongly emotive video that aimed to sway people into voting for them by showing the shortcomings of the UK Parliament for the average Scottish civilian 

Canvassing - In 2021, Alek Cole Hamilalton canvased over 8000 houses in Edinburgh West.

Take part in TV debates - For example, in the 2021 SP election all five party leaders took part in the BBC Leader's Debate a few days before the election day.  

3 Roles of the media during elections

One role of the media is to scrutinise the political parties. - For example, during the 2021 election, the BBC asked Nicola Sturgeon questions about a hard border in an independent Scotland.  

 

Another role of the media is to provide a platform for parties. - For example, in 2021 the Scottish Conservative Party Political Broadcast focused on rebuilding Scotland after the COVID pandemic. 

 

A final role of the media is to promote public concerns - For example, in the 2021 election the leaders all took part in the BBC Leaders Debate where Nicola Sturgeon and the other leaders took questions from the public through zoom about Covid and a second referendum. 

3 Advantages of the AMS system

Voters have more choice. - In 2021 many SNP supporters voted for the Greens in the regional vote in order to elect more MSPs who supported independence.

Helps smaller parties.  Smaller parties are more likely to get elected – especially through the regional vote. This means that a wider range of voices are heard in Parliament. The Green party won all 8 of its seats through the regional vote in 2021.

The overall results are more proportional. - In 2021 the Conservatives got 22% of the vote and 24% of the seats.  

3 Disadvantages of the AMS system

Parties control regional lists. - For example Craig Hoy got elected for the Conservatives in the South Scotland region despite being third on their regional list. 

AMS elections are complicated. - In 2016 12,000 ballot papers were spoilt.

Not perfectly proportional.  - In 2021 the Liberal Democrats only got 4 seats (3%) despite getting almost 7% of the vote. 

3 Responsibilities of the first minister

Meetings and social events - For example, MSP Christine Grahame attended an event on animal welfare. Being a face of and sponsoring the event

Local media - For example, MSP Christine Grahame appeared in media surrounding the ‘choose your bus’ campaign in Galashiels, being vocally supportive of the movement.

Surgeries - For example, MSP Christine Grahame in Asda Galashiels in which attendees could ask her questions every week on Monday.

3 Roles of MSPs in the Scottish parliament

Sponsoring Awareness Events - For example, In 2023, CG sponsored the awareness raising event for the pet poverty charity. 

 

First Minister's Questions - For example in 2023 Douglas Ross accused the FM of devastating rural communities as a result of a recently introduced fishing ban. 

 

Voting - For example, MSPs unanimously voted for the free period products bill in 2020.