Unit 2: Differences Between Criminal Behaviour and Deviance - Criminology Notes

Understanding Formal and Informal Sanctions in Criminology

This section examines the various types of sanctions used in the criminal justice system to address criminal behaviour and deviance.

Definition: Formal sanctions are penalties imposed by courts or police, laid down by criminal law.

Types of formal sanctions include:

1. Court sanctions: Custodial sentences, community orders, and financial penalties
2. Police sanctions: Cautions, conditional cautions, and penalty notices

Example: Examples of criminal acts subject to formal sanctions include speeding, graffiti, and using a phone while driving.

Definition: Informal sanctions are forms of interpersonal disapproval or social pressure.

Example: Examples of deviant behaviour that may face informal sanctions include owning 50 cats, talking to trees, shouting in a library, or queue jumping.

The document emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between criminal behaviour and deviance, as well as the various sanctions applied in the criminal justice system. This knowledge is crucial for students studying crime and deviance criminology and preparing for assessments on the differences between criminal behaviour and deviance unit 2.

Comparing Criminal Behaviour and Deviance

This section delves into the distinctions between criminal behaviour and deviance, providing crucial insights for students of criminology.

Definition: Deviance refers to behaviour that goes against societal norms, which can be unusual in three ways: positively unusual, eccentric and bizarre, or disapproved and negative.

Highlight: Crime is a form of deviant behaviour involving serious, harmful acts considered wrong by society.

The legal definition of crime is explored, emphasizing two key elements:

1. Actus reus (guilty act): The physical act of committing a crime
2. Mens rea (guilty mind): The intention behind the criminal act

Example: Summary offences, such as speeding, are less serious and handled in magistrates' courts, while indictable offences are more serious and tried in Crown courts.

The document also discusses the importance of values and norms in society:

Definition: Values are general principles guiding how we should live our lives, determining right and wrong.

Definition: Norms are specific rules or standards of behaviour expected in particular situations.

Vocabulary: Social control refers to how society tries to ensure its members behave as expected, using formal and informal sanctions.

Example: The police code of ethics includes principles such as accountability, integrity, openness, fairness, leadership, respect, honesty, objectivity, and selflessness.