Unit 1.1

Crime

An illegal act punishable by law

Deviance

Behaviours that go against social norms and values

Mores

Societies most important moral rules, those essential for maintaining civilised behaviour

summary offences

Less serious offences like speeding. Dealt with magistrates

Indictable offences

More serious offences like murder. Tried in Crown court with more severe sentences

3 types of deviance

Good

Eccentric or bizarre

Bad

Positive sanction

Rewards for behaviours that society approves

Informal sanctions

Used for unspoken rules, when broken others show disapproval in informal ways

Social contract

All sanctions are forms of social control it is ways society control our behaviour

formal sanctions

Enforced by police, courts or schools and has punishments when breaking the law or rules

Actus reus

A guilty act

Mens rea

A guilty mind

strict liability

Mens tea is not needed as the act is enough on its own to convict someone

Self-defence

Assault is not a crime if done in self defence as long as the force used is reasonable for the situation

social definition of crime

The ways in which people in society determine behaviour to be acceptable or not

3 factors affecting peoples attitudes towards crime

Difference in peoples views and perceptions

Lack of law enforcement

Some acts are deemed criminal by society but aren't against the law

what are key factors in determining sanctions

Seriousness of the offence and subject matter of offence

4 Court sanctions

Custodial sanctions

Community sentences

Conditional discharge

Absolute discharge

3 police sanctions

Cautions

Conditional caution

Penalty notices for disorders

custodial sentence

Use of prison or young offender institute in order to deter crime being repeated in the future and punish the offender. Length of sentence depends on crime

Community sentence

Served in the community. Offender may have a probation order or compulsory arrangements can I also involve a fine

Conditional discharge

Offender doesn't go to prison but they have conditions to meet like not taking part in any other criminal activity or they will be convicted.

Absolute discharge

They might be guilty of a crime but punishment is not deemed suitable

Cautions

Usually given if it is a first offence or if the offence is considered ‘minor’. Nit a criminal conviction but not good for character profile

Conditional cautions

Caution including an agreed change like attending an addiction clinic. Failure to comply will lead to being charged with original crime.

Penalty notices for disorders

Offenders pay a penalty fine for minor crimes