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Why Laws Differ: Culture, Religion, and Crime Study Notes for Unit 2
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How Laws Change Over Time in Criminology
This page explores how various laws have evolved historically, reflecting changing societal values and norms.
Drug laws have undergone significant changes in many countries. Portugal, for example, introduced equal penalties for all drugs as part of a public health-focused approach.
Gun laws have often been tightened in response to tragic events. The UK severely restricted gun ownership after the Dunblane massacre in 1996.
Example: The Gun Control Network and Snowdrop Campaign were influential in changing UK gun laws.
Laws relating to children have dramatically evolved since the 13th century. Modern laws now cover child labor, compulsory education, and child protection.
Highlight: The concept of childhood as a distinct life stage only emerged relatively recently in human history.
Physical punishment laws, particularly regarding capital punishment, have changed significantly. The UK abolished the death penalty in 1965, reflecting a growing view that it violates human rights.
Homosexuality laws have progressed from total criminalization to increasing acceptance and legalization in many countries.
Quote: "Gay marriage finally legal in 2014" - This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.
Differential Law Enforcement and Circumstances
This page examines how laws are applied differently based on various circumstances and factors.
Differential law enforcement refers to the uneven application of laws, often influenced by factors like race, class, or age.
Vocabulary: Differential law enforcement - the inconsistent application of laws to different groups or in different situations.
The London Riots of 2011 saw harsher sentences given to deter future unrest, even for minor offenses. This exemplifies how extraordinary circumstances can lead to stricter law enforcement.
Moral panics can influence how laws are applied. Police may develop "typifications" or assumptions about what a criminal looks like, leading to biased enforcement.
Example: The overuse of stop and search on young black males by the Metropolitan Police in London demonstrates how typifications can lead to discriminatory practices.
Age of criminal responsibility plays a crucial role in how laws are applied to young offenders. In the UK, this age is 10 years old.
Highlight: The case of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, who were tried as adults at age 10 for the murder of Jamie Bulger, sparked debate about how the law should treat young offenders.
Chambliss's study of "Saints" and "Roughnecks" revealed how social class can influence law enforcement, with working-class youth facing stricter policing despite similar offense rates.
This page underscores the complex interplay between laws, societal factors, and individual circumstances in the application of criminal justice.
Differential Law Enforcement
This section explores how laws are applied differently based on circumstances and social factors.
Definition: Differential law enforcement refers to varying applications of law based on social, demographic, or situational factors.
Example: The 2011 London Riots resulted in harsher sentences to "deter others and teach people a lesson."
The text examines:
- Police typifications and their impact on law enforcement
- The role of moral panics in influencing law enforcement
- Age-based differences in criminal responsibility
- Chambliss's study of "Saints" and "Roughnecks"
How Laws Change from Culture to Culture in Criminality
Laws and criminal justice systems vary significantly across different cultures and societies. This page examines how specific laws and practices differ between countries and regions.
Polygamy is legal in some African and Asian countries like Algeria and Saudi Arabia, but illegal in most Western nations. This difference is often rooted in religious traditions, as Islam permits men to have up to four wives.
Definition: Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously.
Adultery is criminalized in 21 US states and some Asian countries, while it's not a criminal offense in the UK and most of Europe. Religious influences from Christianity, Islam, and Judaism often contribute to stricter laws against adultery.
Homosexuality is legal in most Western countries but remains criminalized in many African and Asian nations. Public opinion, religious beliefs, and cultural norms significantly influence these laws.
Highlight: Sexism can play a role in how homosexuality laws are applied, with some countries only criminalizing male same-sex relationships.
Cannabis use is legal in countries like Canada and Uruguay but remains illegal in many others. Different approaches to drug control and public health policies shape these varying laws.
Example: Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, focusing on a public health approach rather than criminal justice.
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Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Why Laws Differ: Culture, Religion, and Crime Study Notes for Unit 2
Laws and Cultural Variations in Criminality: A Comprehensive Overview explores how legal systems differ across cultures, time periods, and circumstances, highlighting the dynamic nature of criminal justice systems worldwide.
Key points:
- How laws change from culture to culture in criminality... Show more
How Laws Change Over Time in Criminology
This page explores how various laws have evolved historically, reflecting changing societal values and norms.
Drug laws have undergone significant changes in many countries. Portugal, for example, introduced equal penalties for all drugs as part of a public health-focused approach.
Gun laws have often been tightened in response to tragic events. The UK severely restricted gun ownership after the Dunblane massacre in 1996.
Example: The Gun Control Network and Snowdrop Campaign were influential in changing UK gun laws.
Laws relating to children have dramatically evolved since the 13th century. Modern laws now cover child labor, compulsory education, and child protection.
Highlight: The concept of childhood as a distinct life stage only emerged relatively recently in human history.
Physical punishment laws, particularly regarding capital punishment, have changed significantly. The UK abolished the death penalty in 1965, reflecting a growing view that it violates human rights.
Homosexuality laws have progressed from total criminalization to increasing acceptance and legalization in many countries.
Quote: "Gay marriage finally legal in 2014" - This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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Differential Law Enforcement and Circumstances
This page examines how laws are applied differently based on various circumstances and factors.
Differential law enforcement refers to the uneven application of laws, often influenced by factors like race, class, or age.
Vocabulary: Differential law enforcement - the inconsistent application of laws to different groups or in different situations.
The London Riots of 2011 saw harsher sentences given to deter future unrest, even for minor offenses. This exemplifies how extraordinary circumstances can lead to stricter law enforcement.
Moral panics can influence how laws are applied. Police may develop "typifications" or assumptions about what a criminal looks like, leading to biased enforcement.
Example: The overuse of stop and search on young black males by the Metropolitan Police in London demonstrates how typifications can lead to discriminatory practices.
Age of criminal responsibility plays a crucial role in how laws are applied to young offenders. In the UK, this age is 10 years old.
Highlight: The case of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, who were tried as adults at age 10 for the murder of Jamie Bulger, sparked debate about how the law should treat young offenders.
Chambliss's study of "Saints" and "Roughnecks" revealed how social class can influence law enforcement, with working-class youth facing stricter policing despite similar offense rates.
This page underscores the complex interplay between laws, societal factors, and individual circumstances in the application of criminal justice.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Differential Law Enforcement
This section explores how laws are applied differently based on circumstances and social factors.
Definition: Differential law enforcement refers to varying applications of law based on social, demographic, or situational factors.
Example: The 2011 London Riots resulted in harsher sentences to "deter others and teach people a lesson."
The text examines:
- Police typifications and their impact on law enforcement
- The role of moral panics in influencing law enforcement
- Age-based differences in criminal responsibility
- Chambliss's study of "Saints" and "Roughnecks"
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
How Laws Change from Culture to Culture in Criminality
Laws and criminal justice systems vary significantly across different cultures and societies. This page examines how specific laws and practices differ between countries and regions.
Polygamy is legal in some African and Asian countries like Algeria and Saudi Arabia, but illegal in most Western nations. This difference is often rooted in religious traditions, as Islam permits men to have up to four wives.
Definition: Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously.
Adultery is criminalized in 21 US states and some Asian countries, while it's not a criminal offense in the UK and most of Europe. Religious influences from Christianity, Islam, and Judaism often contribute to stricter laws against adultery.
Homosexuality is legal in most Western countries but remains criminalized in many African and Asian nations. Public opinion, religious beliefs, and cultural norms significantly influence these laws.
Highlight: Sexism can play a role in how homosexuality laws are applied, with some countries only criminalizing male same-sex relationships.
Cannabis use is legal in countries like Canada and Uruguay but remains illegal in many others. Different approaches to drug control and public health policies shape these varying laws.
Example: Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, focusing on a public health approach rather than criminal justice.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Criminology
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user