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.
