4. Crime and Punishment

Causes of Crime

Crime happens when individuals break the law

Socio-Economic Background

People from disadvantaged areas may face inequality

Education

Low educational achievement or lack of school engagement can lead to youth offending. Example: Excluded students are more likely to reoffend.

Peer Pressure

Young people may commit crimes to fit in or gain respect within social groups.

Unemployment and Poverty

Financial struggles can push individuals toward theft

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Substance misuse reduces self-control and increases violent or impulsive behaviour. Example: Many assaults and public order offences are alcohol-related.

Greed or Opportunity

Some commit crimes for personal gain

Murder

Linked to social behaviour

Knife Crime

Levels remain around 50% lower than in 2006; rises may be linked to reduced stop-and-search powers or increased police recording.

Firearms Offences

Often connected to gang activity or organised crime

Vehicle Theft

Mostly linked to motorbike and e-scooter thefts rather than cars.

Short-Term Factors of Crime Increase

Temporary rises caused by changes in policing

Long-Term Factors of Crime Increase

Economic inequality and lack of youth opportunities can sustain higher crime levels.

Target the Criminal

Crime reduction approach focusing on punishment

Target the Causes of Crime

Crime reduction approach addressing root causes through education

Punishment

Ensures offenders face consequences for their actions. Example: Prison for assault.

Deterrence

Discourages the offender and others from committing crimes. Example: Harsh penalties for repeat offenders.

Rehabilitation

Reforms offenders and supports them to become law-abiding citizens. Example: Drug or anger management courses.

Protection

Safeguards the public from dangerous individuals. Example: Life imprisonment for violent criminals.

Reparation

Makes amends or repairs harm caused. Example: Offender cleans graffiti or compensates victim.

Custodial Sentence

Prison term for offenders.

Whole Life Order

For the most serious crimes; offender will never be released.

Life Sentence

Offender may be released after minimum term but can be recalled anytime. Example: Murderer serves minimum 25 years before parole consideration.

Fixed-Term Sentence

Set prison term; may be released halfway on licence.

Suspended Sentence

Offender does not go to prison immediately but will if they reoffend within a time limit.

Community Orders

Non-custodial sentence requiring unpaid work

Fines

Monetary penalties based on offence severity and income level.

Absolute Discharge

No further action for minor offence.

Conditional Discharge

No punishment unless another crime occurs within a set time.

Driving Bans

Used in traffic-related offences to protect public safety.

Youth Justice System

Applies to offenders aged 10–17

Youth Court

Less formal magistrates’ court; defendants referred to by first names

Community Sentences (Youth)

Include rehabilitation

Detention and Training Orders (DTOs)

Sentences in Young Offender Institutions combining custody and education.

Factors in Youth Sentencing

Age

Press Restrictions (Youth)

Media cannot name young offenders or reveal personal details