Criminal Behaviour and Deviance: Social and Legal Perspectives
This page explores the social and legal definitions of criminal behavior, highlighting the complexities in defining crime. It also introduces the concept of deviance and its relationship to social norms.
Social Definition of Criminal Behaviour
The social definition of crime is influenced by public perception, law enforcement priorities, and the law-making process.
Example: Speeding is legally a crime, but minor infractions are often not viewed as criminal by the public.
Highlight: Law enforcement may prioritize certain crimes over others, such as focusing less on white-collar crimes due to their complexity.
Legal Definition of Criminal Behaviour
The legal definition of crime is based on actions that violate criminal law and can result in punishment.
Vocabulary:
- Actus reus: The guilty act itself
- Mens rea: The guilty mind or intention behind the act
- Strict liability: Cases where the act alone is sufficient for conviction
Example: Common criminal acts include murder, drug offenses, assault, theft, and rape.
Formal Sanctions Against Criminals
The legal system imposes formal sanctions on criminals through courts and police actions.
Definition: Formal sanctions include community sentences (probation, fines, community service) and custodial sentences (prison, young offenders institutions).
Deviance: Beyond Legal Boundaries
Deviance refers to acts that violate social norms but may not necessarily be illegal.
Vocabulary:
- Norms: Specific rules or social standards that guide behavior
- Values: General principles on how to live our lives
- Moral codes: Set of rules and principles held by society
Example: Swearing, not following dress codes, or eating with hands in certain cultures can be considered deviant behaviors.
