AC 1.2-criminology-social construction of criminality

Social construction of criminality?

AC 1.2-how laws change from culture to culture-homosexuality

Religion in a country can affect laws. An example of this is homosexuality, as a large reason why homosexuality was persecuted was due to religious belief. This is why homosexuality is legal in secular countries, but illegal in religious countries.

AC 1.2-what factors affect the social construction of criminality?

place, time, circumstance, culture, technology

AC 1.2-How can laws change due to new technology?

The death Penalty was abolished due to new DNA evidence (which could be discovered with technology). Derek Bentley and Tomothy evans were both found innocent in the 1950’s due to new DNA evidence.

How are laws applied differently to circumstance?

Mens rheus and actus reus both need to usually be found to charge someone. However, in cases of drink driving only actus reus needs to be found.

AC 1.2-define Actus reus and mens rheus

Actus reus-action, mental rheus-intention

AC 1.2-what is the age of criminal responsibility in the UK?

10

AC 1.2-what is doli incapax and what crime led to it’s removal?

Doli incapax (“incapable of evil”) was a legal doctrine in the UK that meant children could not be prosecuted as adults. This was removed following James Bulgers murder.