WJEC Criminology Unit 4 AC 1.3

What are the 3 key features of the Crime Control Model?

Presumption of guilt

Efficiency driven = swift arrests

Minimal Emphasis on rights

What theories is the Crime Control Model influenced by?

Right Realism and Rational Choice

Examples of the Crime Control Model

- stop and search

- mandatory minimum sentencing

- cctv

- terrorism legislation

- expansion of police powers under PACE 1984

Right Realism

- argue crime is caused by biological differences between individuals, inadequate socialisation, offending is a rational choice

- tough punishments are necessary to control crime e.g zero tolerance policy

- focuses on punitive measures as a deterrent

How does Right Realism link to CCM?

- reflects the models priority on public safety over individual rights

- mirrors the focus on deterrence through strict and consistent penalties

- e.g three strikes laws which reduce leniency and incapacitate offenders

Rational Choice Theory

- we are rational beings that calculate risk to reward ratio.

- low risk and high reward = high chance of offending

- assumes visible and efficient law enforcement increases perceived risks and deter crimes

- highlights the role of clear and consistent consequences in reducing criminal behaviour

How does RCT link to CCM?

- reflects models focus on deterrence as primary crime prevention stratergy

- harsh penalties and proactive policing to elevate perceived costs of offending

- reinforces the idea that visible enforcement and swift action discourage individuals from engaging in criminal activity

Advantages of CCM

- zero tolerance in NY 1990 up until 2009 caused homocide rate to drop by 82 percent

- harsh penalties deter crime

- speedy resolution of cases prevent court backlogs

- enhanced public safety means prioritisation on removal of offenders from society which protects communities

- focuses on serious offending, quick action against terrorism and violent offences

Disadvantages of CCM

- doesn't address the causes of crime or that crime can be deterred through detection and conviction

- presumption of guilt increases the likelihood of miscarriages of justice as under the model it is considered inevitable

- expanding police powers means abuse of power, discrimination and over-policing

- sacrifices individual rights and mistrust in the system

What are the 3 key features of the Due Process Model?

Presumption of Innocence

Thorough Procedures

Legal Safeguards - protects people from abuse from the state

What theories is the Due Process Model influenced by?

Left Realism and Labelling Theory

Examples of DPM

- Codes of practice under PACE 1984 = strict guidelines on police powers to ensure fairness

- Human Rights Act 1998 - guarantees protection of rights

- Right to legal representation

- Excluding improperly obtained evidence

Left Realism

- relative deprivation, subculture and marginalisation are the root causes of crime

- main victims are the working class, ethnic minorities and women

- dealing with offenders and victims fairly to reduce crime and the fear of crime

How does Left Realism link to DPM?

- aligns with DPM emphasising fairness and social justice

- addresses systemic disadvantages to prevent criminalisation and equitable treatment for all

- reduces marginalisation and promotes procedural fairness

Labelling Theory

- The effects of stigmatisation on causing crime

- Selective law enforcement can cause a deviance amplification spiral

- Argues for fair and impartial treatment to prevent unjust labelling to prevent long term consequences

Labelling Theory link to DPM

- fully aligns with the due process model - prioritising procedural fairness and protecting individuals from unjust treatment

- Prevention of stigmatisation to ensure individuals aren't unfairly labelled and promotes rehabilition

Weaknesses of DPM

- Resource Intensive - the thorough procedures increase costa and delay case resolutions, causing frustrations to the victims and communities

- Perceived leniency - rights allow guilty individuals to exploit loopholes

- Complexity of legal procedures - alienate those without adequate support

- Reduced deterrence - tries to tackle roots so this is a slower approach, undermining its ability to deter crime

Strengths of DPM

- Prevention of miscarriages of justice - protects innocent individuals by ensuring thorough procedures

- Fair treatment - promotes equality by safeguarding the rights of all individuals

- Trust in the justice system - transparency and accountability enhance public confidence

- Long-term impact - focuses on reducing reoffending by addressing system inequalities and root causes of crime